August Šenoa, hailed as the father of the Croatian novel, served as a pivotal figure bridging Romanticism and Realism in Croatian literature. He masterfully blended national Romanticism with realistic portrayals of the burgeoning petite bourgeoisie. Šenoa was celebrated for his grand, cinematic scenes and lyrical descriptions of the oppressed peasantry and nobility striving against foreign rule, often romanticizing the period from the 15th to the 18th centuries. Through his accessible and engaging style, he is credited with cultivating the Croatian reading public.
Explore the rich literary tradition of Croatia with Ilijina Oporuka, a classic tale of love, betrayal, and revenge. Set in rural Croatia in the 19th century, this novel follows the tragedy of two star-crossed lovers, Ilija and Ana, and their doomed attempt to escape the strict social norms of their time. A classic of Croatian literature, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in Balkan culture and history.
The town lies before you. In the words of Šenoa himself: “below the mountain, a jewel most precious to us glimmers in the sun, strong like a mighty hero… the town of Zagreb.” Stop and listen to the murmur of the Kajkavian dialect, bite into a Paprenjak, chat with the women at Dolac Market, get to know the people of Zagreb… You may even bump into a contemporary Dora or a fearless Pavao of your own. The first Croatian historical novel, the tale of a forbidden love between the daughter of a goldsmith and a nobleman's son set against the backdrop of the streets and squares of 16th century Zagreb. Love and passion, plots and intrigue, nobles, commoners, tricksters, murderers... A patchwork of colorful characters is bound to leave you breathless!