Mazge

Mules (Mazge) is a striking and instructive novel for children and young adults by the renowned Slovenian writer Tone Seliškar—a work widely read in our region as part of prominent required reading collections, such as Sarajevo’s Lastavica series. A master storyteller who writes about courage, childhood, and the indomitable human spirit, Seliškar presents a dramatic tale set against the backdrop of the harsh days of World War II. The plot follows a group of young heroes entrusted with a mission of immense responsibility and danger: navigating inaccessible mountain paths, snowstorms, and enemy encirclements to transport vital food, medicine, and equipment using a caravan of mules. At the heart of the story lies the deep bond between the boys and their loyal animals; the mules are not merely beasts of burden but true comrades-in-arms and a source of support during the most trying moments. Facing a series of perilous obstacles, the boys mature rapidly, demonstrating exceptional solidarity, resourcefulness, and self-sacrifice. With great empathy and vivid imagery, Seliškar depicts the harshness of nature, the horrors of war, and the children's unshakeable belief in peace and a more just world. Mules conveys a powerful humanist message about friendship, loyalty, and nobility that transcends the horrors of war, remaining a valuable part of the literary heritage for young readers.