Croatia is a country with a long and contradictory history. In her book, Patricia Bartolic tells about the events that took place on the territory of this region—from ancient times to the 21st century. As it happened, the interests of different states have always intersected on the territory of this small Balkan country, and that is why over the centuries Croats had to fight for the right to independence and sovereignty.
However, the deep wounds Croatia received in the past only united its people, and the errors and contradictions of history became a source of its surprising wisdom and respect for traditions. Different versions of the origin of the Croats—still a mystery for historians—plus the long period of dependence and fragmentation, during which the Croatian people, their self-awareness, and the “Croatian dream” of creating their own country were formed: concessions by the leaders of Yugoslavia to Nazi Germany, and the heroic resistance of the partisans against the occupiers during World War II.
Also included are the experience of living within a socialist federal state, the blood and pain of the Serbo-Croatian conflict, as well as the dreams and hopes of modern Croatia—by reading this book you will learn everything about the history of this remarkable country. You will also find interesting descriptions of the region’s geography, and of the culture and mentality of its inhabitants.
As you read, remember: difficult historical trials create truly great peoples.