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Born in the former Yugoslavia, Vedran and his family left during the war in the early 1990s, seeking refuge in Germany, before ultimately making their residence in the United States. Vedran was exposed to futbol/soccer early on in life. The Beautiful Game became the way of connecting with others. Vedran's debut book "Wanderer's Journey: A Refugee's Search for a Home in the Beautiful Game" chronicles his travels, hardships, and opportunities in those countries and beyond using the sport as a vehicle to tell his resilient and hopeful story of finding a place of belonging.
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Wanderer’s Journey by Vedran Dedić is a moving and emotionally charged memoir that skillfully melds the universal appeal of football with the personal struggles and triumphs of a refugee searching for a new home. Dedić's journey from Bosnia to Germany and eventually to the United States is a backdrop for his intense love of football, which remains constant throughout the upheaval of displacement. The memoir chronicles his geographical journey and emotional and cultural adaptation, using football as a metaphor for belonging and identity. His vivid recounting of matches, like the Dortmund versus Juventus Champions League final, reflects the excitement and universal language of the sport.
Vedran Dedić's ability to capture the essence of his experiences through the lens of football fandom makes Wanderer’s Journey a compelling, informative, and deeply moving read. This book will appeal to readers who seek stories of perseverance, the unifying power of sports, and the complex layers of immigrant identity. It’s unnecessary to be a football fan or understand the game to appreciate the story’s emotional journey. It’s so well written, and the pacing and development are excellent. Wanderer’s Journey will appeal to readers who enjoy memoirs, football, sports literature, refugee experiences, and anyone who appreciates personal resilience and cultural integration stories. The book offers a unique perspective on the game and how it can provide solace, community, and joy no matter where one is. This memoir is perfect for classroom learning to help students understand the challenges refugees face and human rights and social issues. It’s also a great addition to a home library. I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s sharing of his journey.
