Contemporary Croatian prose literature: from historical fiction to autobiography

In this article I give a brief synopsis of Croatian prose literature of the second half of the twentieth century, and the diachronic development of the novel, short story and fable in particular. Attention is given to contemporary Croatian short prose. Though recognising their importance as constant and dynamic influences, I refrain from making specific, detailed references to Croatian history and issues of a linguistic nature. For an overview of nineteenth and twentieth century Croatian history, see Mislav Ježic's article which appeared in the 1997 edition of the Croatian Studies Review. Relevant details about Croatian linguistic policy can be found in articles written by Josip Matešic and Luka Budak, both of which appeared in the same edition of the Croatian Studies Review. Other authors that offer an insight into Croatia's linguistic and historical reality, and the way they condition contemporary literature, include Banac (1990), Moguš (1995), Kačić (1997) and Perić (1998). More complete studies can be found in the literary journal Most (The Bridge), Vaupotić (1968) and Donat (1970 and 1996). Bogert (1991) offers a good survey of the literature of Krleža's time, while Eekman (1978) writes on South Slavonic literatures in general. Though a systematic history of Croatian literature has yet to be written in English or translated into English, sources from non-Croatian authors can be found in Škvorc (1997 and 1998).