Retired diplomat Bora Šuput has released a new collection of writings titled “Ostaci razbijenog stakla” (Remnants of Broken Glass), which features a series of 100 short texts, including 13 columns previously published in the Montenegrin newspaper Pobjeda. The book presents Šuput’s reflections on life, society, and the human condition, aiming to provide insights that resonate with readers.
Motivation Behind the Writing
In an interview with Pobjeda, Šuput explained his motivation for writing the collection: “To explain the world around me to myself.” He draws parallels between broken glass and the inevitable confrontations people face as they grow older, likening them to pieces of a shattered bell jar or fragments of a once-beautiful vase, reminiscent of the story of Alexander the Great. The diplomat reflects on how these remnants symbolize aspects of life that are often concealed from oneself and the outside world.
Reflecting on his experiences, Šuput notes, “Sooner or later, by choice or fate, one will confront the shards of broken beauty, truth, and eternity.” He emphasizes that his writings serve as a personal exploration of what he once considered a worldview, now perceived as an unnecessary burden in the face of modernity.
Insights on Modern Existence
The collection comprises short essays written in 2025, capturing the essence of a world that began to unravel during Šuput’s own maturation and aging process. He highlights that the prehistory of each essay sprouted from cracks in the world, suggesting that the insights are not just reflections but also responses to personal and societal questions regarding the nature, state, and future of existence. He expresses a desire to examine the roots of issues and their potential futures.
As he approaches a stage in life where such reflections are deemed ripe for sharing, Šuput hopes that readers will find the essays as compelling as he found them while writing. He concludes by entrusting the collection to the goodwill and interpretation of its audience, inviting them to engage with the thoughts he has crafted.
In summary, “Ostaci razbijenog stakla” serves not just as a literary work but as a thoughtful meditation on the complexities of life, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences and perceptions. With themes that resonate universally, Šuput’s writings encourage a deeper understanding of the remnants that shape human existence.
