Josip Novakovich
Josip Novakovich is a Croatian-American writer and academic known for his short stories, novels, and essays. Born in Croatia in 1956, he moved to the United States in his twenties. Novakovich's work often explores themes of identity, displacement, and the immigrant experience, drawing on his own life and the complexities of Eastern European history. He has received numerous awards for his writing, including a Whiting Writers' Award and a Guggenheim Fellowship. Novakovich is also a respected teacher of creative writing, having taught at several institutions across the United States.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. April Fool's Day
This book is a poignant narrative that follows the life of Ivan Dolinar, born in Croatia on April 1, 1948, a date that marks both his birth and the myriad of misfortunes and absurdities that will follow him throughout his life under Tito's communist regime. The story weaves through Ivan's experiences, from his early years in a country marred by political upheaval, through his time in prison due to a series of misunderstandings and unfortunate events, to his eventual emigration. Through a blend of dark humor and tragedy, the novel explores themes of identity, the absurdity of bureaucratic systems, and the struggle for survival in a world that often seems as unpredictable and cruel as it is beautiful. The narrative serves as a powerful commentary on the human condition and the arbitrary nature of fate, all while providing a vivid window into the history and culture of the Balkans during a tumultuous period.
The 6380th Greatest Book of All Time
