“You don’t need to read it!” Dubravka Ugresić is a bold critique of contemporary literature. The book consists of critical essays, which are more like exciting stories. In them, the author brilliantly dismantles literary and around-culture clichés, and also tries to deal with the consequences of the global triumph of Pragmatism. The collection begins with a witty critique of the publishing business, from which Ugresić moves on to far more serious topics—analysis of people and today’s day and life. In the opinion of most critics, this book could hardly have been so instructive if it hadn’t been so engaging.
Dubravka Ugresić was born and studied in the former Yugoslavia. In 1993 she left her homeland for political reasons. Dubravka Ugresić has been awarded many prestigious literature prizes, including the Charles Veillon Prize for essay writing (Switzerland), the Thomas Mann Prize (Germany, 2000), the Independent Prize for foreign literature (Great Britain), and others. (back cover)
“An enchanting scatter of captivating stories and brilliant improvisations. It’s a must-read. Ugresić is unforgettable.”
Susan Sontag, writer and literary critic