How do you introduce a country that combines Central European and Mediterranean influences, a long history and a modern identity, all within a relatively small geographical space? That was the starting point for Croatia in 30 Stories, a book that Božo Skoko and I conceived as a collection of short, accessible and engaging chapters offering different perspectives on Croatia and its people.
he book brings together thirty stories that connect history and contemporary life, culture and everyday experience, well-known facts and lesser-known anecdotes. Topics range from the origins of the necktie and the legacy of Nikola Tesla to Croatia’s islands, sporting achievements, traditions and way of life. Rather than presenting Croatia in the form of a conventional guide or encyclopaedia, the book approaches the country through storytelling.
It is intended for a broad readership: international readers wishing to understand Croatia beyond the usual tourist image, members of the Croatian diaspora seeking a connection with their heritage, and Croatian readers interested in seeing their country from a slightly different perspective. The concept of the book was strongly influenced by our experience of living and working in international environments, which helped us identify the aspects of Croatia that foreign readers often find most interesting and relatable.
An important part of the book’s character also comes from the illustrations by Vedran Klemens, whose work adds warmth, humour and visual coherence to the stories.
The book has so far been published in four languages: Hrvatska u 30 priča, Croatia in 30 Stories, La Croatie en 30 histoires and Kroatien in 30 Geschichten. The Croatian and English editions have been particularly well received, which suggests that there is genuine interest in a concise, readable and well-rounded introduction to Croatia — both abroad and at home.
Croatia in 30 Stories is not intended to be comprehensive. Its purpose is simply to offer readers an engaging introduction to the country and, ideally, encourage them to discover more for themselves.
Book details:
Božo Skoko and Zvonimir Frka-Petešić, Hrvatska u 30 priča / Croatia in 30 Stories, hardcover, 16.5 × 22 cm, approximately 140 pages, Naklada Ljevak, 2024.