Madam War Criminal

'A fascinating, insightful and thought-provoking book which takes you into the mind of the only woman convicted by the Yugoslavia tribunal. It is beautifully written [...] and is an absolute must read for anyone interested in the causes of mass violence.'

* Alette Smeulers, Professor in International Crimes, University of Groningen, and author of Perpetrators of Mass Atrocities: Terribly and Terrifyingly Normal? *

'Based on hours of candid interviews with Biljana Plavsic, Simić presents a multi-faceted and layered account of a strong woman in conflict, war, and when facing justice. This is an achievement on a par with Gita Sereny's biography of Albert Speer, enhancing our understanding of war, violence and guilt.'

* Susanne Karstedt, Professor in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University *

'A complex and unsettling portrait of a convicted war criminal, challenging conventional understandings of political complicity. What distinguishes Simić's approach is its unsettling intimacy. By constructing Plavšić's image through personal interactions--tea, cookies and quiet conversation--the author forces readers into a shared space of contradiction and discomfort. The encounter serves as a proxy for our own moral reckoning, compelling us to confront the paradox of proximity: How do we process the humanity of those whose actions produce inhumanity?'

-- Kjell Anderson, Associate Professor of Law, University of Manitoba