Dobry

I really enjoyed this book I liked the writing style.I also liked the story and how this boy breaks the mold of his village to become an artist. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fictions.

I agree with R. D. Allison about the split-personality of the books. I think, though, that the author was trying to show how Dobry was growing up. In the beginning, he is satisfied with slow country life but gradually grows to realize his dream is to become an artist.DOBRY is a good book for learning about the culture of Bulgarian peasants. It is rich in the folk stories--how God created man and Hadutzi-Dare saved the world--and everyday life of these people. Also, the author conveys the village's excitement when the massage bear (you'll learn what it is!) comes to herald the summer. The language is beautiful and Dobry is an eternal optimist. The characters represent different facets of village life--for example, the rotund mayor explains government and Dobry's grandfather shows Bulgaria's heritage. The book introduced me to a culture that thinks differently and lives differently yet dreams the same. It's a lesson for anyone.