Way Out of Sarajevo

Bosnian-born novelist Aleksandar Hemon discusses his autobiographical new short-story collection—and what it’s like to have a writer (and fellow Chicagoan) in the White House.

Published May 14 2009 2:53AM EDT

articles/2009/05/14/way-out-of-sarajevo/ciabattari-aleksander-hemon_26674_kfl6pu — Ulf Andersen / Getty Images

articles/2009/05/14/way-out-of-sarajevo/ciabattari-aleksander-hemon_26674_bijq8u

Aleksandar Hemon is a big guy (think soccer) with a strong voice. In person, the MacArthur Fellowship-winner is funny, in a dark, bluesy way. That sardonic voice propels his fiction, including the eight stories in his new collection, Love and Obstacles.

Jane Ciabattari

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Way Out of Sarajevo

Bosnian-born novelist Aleksandar Hemon discusses his autobiographical new short-story collection—and what it’s like to have a writer (and fellow Chicagoan) in the White House.

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Jane Ciabattari