“The Tiger’s Wife’’by Tea Olbreht unfolds in an unnamed Balkan country scarred from the aftermath of civil war that split Yugoslavia into several independent countries in the 1990s. Natalia is a young, idealistic doctor following in her beloved grandfather’s footsteps.

The book begins with Natalia traveling on a mercy mission to an orphanage to inoculate children. During the journey, she receives the shattering news that her grandfather has died mysteriously, far from home.  In her grief, Natalia recalls sweet childhood memories of going with her grandfather to visit the tigers at the zoo. She recounts how he often read to her from a worn copy of “The Jungle Book’’, which he always carried in his suit jacket.

While Natalia investigates the strange circumstances of her grandfather’s death, she remembers two fable-like characters he told her about from his past -- the Tiger’s Wife and The Deathless Man. These magical stories, steeped in local customs and superstitions, are mesmerizing and unforgettable. Author Tea Obreht, who was born in Yugoslavia in 1985 and came to the United States when she was 12, has penned a stirring debut novel about her homeland. Check our catalog

--Jo Hansen, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.