The country of Yugoslavia broke apart in the early 1990s, with Croatia and Slovenia breaking off in mid 1991, followed by Macedonia, then Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1992. The disintegration of Yugoslavia was violent, with fighting taking place between 1991 and 2001. “The Peace Thieves” is a novel set in the midst of the United Nations’ efforts to restore peace to the area.
Thanks to River Street Writing for providing an advanced reader copy for review.
Francis is a Canadian reservist, deployed to Croatia with UNPROFOR (United Nations Protection Force) as a medic. With limited resources, surrounded by hostile forces, and subordinate to a horrible Master Corporal, Francis does his best to survive and to help the peacekeepers and the local populace.
Thirty years later, Viva walks into a bar in Hamilton, Ontario and meets Francis and others dealing with the ghosts of the Yugoslav wars. “The Peace Thieves” alternates between Francis’ 1993 and Viva’s present day.
I remember the Balkan wars – the futile efforts of UNPROFOR to prevent fighting, interventions by NATO in Croatia and Serbia and later Kosovo, Canadians deploying abroad, and returning as changed men and women. Several people I call friends went over and, although they don’t talk about it much, it is clear that it was an awful experience.
“The Peace Thieves” was gripping and tense. Author Brent van Staalduinen writes in a clipped, brisk tone that well suits the dangerous and violent environment. There are amusing moments – the horse episode is perhaps the most absurd – but in general Francis is just trying to make it through.
I found the Canadian / present parts of the novel to be less intense, providing a little release from the tension of the “past chapters”. The author wrote some very believable and human characters, with strengths and flaws a-plenty.
I liked “The Peace Thieves” a lot. Recommended.