Fugue: A Tale of One of Us

Bijeg is a novel by Milutin Cihlar Nehajev, translated into English by Damir Janigro as Fugue. It is a paramount example of Croatian literature from the Modernist era, portraying the culture in pre-World War I Austro-Hungary. The story follows Duro, a talented and aspiring writer who abandons his studies in Vienna to take up a teaching position in Senj, a small coastal town in Croatia. The central theme explores the struggles of a gifted and principled individual in an inhospitable environment. The male and female characters are well-crafted, and the novel contains breathtaking descriptions of the natural beauty of the Croatian coast.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 242 pages
Publication date: 20 December 2023
Publisher: Central European University Press

Bijeg, a novel penned by the Croatian writer Milutin Cihlar Nehajev, has been translated into English by Damir Janigro under the title Fugue. It is widely recognized as a paramount exemplar of Croatian literature from the Modernist era, offering a captivating portrayal of the culture in pre-World War I Austro-Hungary. The narrative revolves around Duro, a talented and aspiring writer who renounces his studies in Vienna to accept a teaching position in Senj, a small coastal town in Croatia. Duro's aspirations include marrying a woman from Zagreb, but his hopes are dashed when her family raises objections due to the absence of the inheritance he had anticipated from his deceased uncle.

The novel's central theme delves into the challenges faced by a gifted and principled individual in an inhospitable environment that often fails to appreciate his endeavors to improve the world. The male and female characters in the novel are meticulously crafted and captivating, and the book contains breathtaking descriptions of the natural beauty of the Croatian coast.

This captivating work of literature provides a profound insight into the social and cultural dynamics of pre-World War I Austro-Hungary, offering a valuable perspective on the period's history and culture. Bijeg is a testament to the enduring power of literature to transcend boundaries and engage readers on a profound level, leaving a lasting impact on those who encounter it.

Weight: 268g
Dimension: 203 x 127 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789633867228