Hello readers and fellow bloggers! In this post, I'll review The Portrait of a Soul, a novel by Croatian author Miro Gavran. I've read this book in the original language it was published in, but you can read it a translation (including English). No contemporary Croatian writer is as widely or successfully translated as Gavran, so if you're looking for a contemporary Croatian read, look no further.
What is this novel about? Well, as the title implies, it's a Portrait of a Soul. Perhaps a better title would be- A Portrait of a Feminine Soul, for this novel explores the lives of seven women. In fact, since it is concerned with the inner life of seven female protagonists, perhaps it should be called- Portraits of Souls.
However, perhaps the author wanted to stress an individuality of the portrait making. You see, there's a man connecting all of these women- and he's a painter named Benjamin. Every woman protagonist in this novels gets painted by Benjamin who strives to capture their souls on paper. The novel basically spans his lifetime. The point of view, however, focuses on the women and their lives. It's not exactly a first person narration, but as readers we're privy to the thoughts of these ladies.
What about the photographs I have chosen for this review? I do try to make an editorial effort when I'm writing these book reviews, or at least choose photographs that match the book's energy well.
These photographs were taken at the start of this Summer that is now slowly drawing to its close. It's been raining here, and it really feels like Autumn is already here. Well, Summer 2024 officially ends on September 23rd, so really we only have a few days of Summer left. Below you'll see images of me posing with this book in a lovely second hand dress I feel matches the theme of this novel quite well.
A REVIEW IN A FORM OF QUESTIONS
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE PORTRAIT OF A SOUL BY MIRO GAVRAN
What is the opening chapter of The Portrait of a Soul like?
The opening chapter is actually a short story, or rather a first chapter in a short story that is in itself, a part of the novel but I'll explain that in a minute. Let me first say something of my general impressions.
The novel’s opening chapter reveals its melancholic and tragic quality. There's a touch of realism to the first chapter, but one can sense also that there's sadness in this novel. The first chapter is titled Karolina and the subtitle is listed in brackets- a short story. You can get a hint from the subtitle- this novel uses some experimental writing, some chapters are written as memoirs, some as a screenplay and some as reportage.
When the author Miro Gavran was asked about this on the book promotion I attended, he said it wasn't difficult for him to use different genres because he has experience writing in different forms, from screenplays to plays.
As a reader, I was touched by the opening paragraphs. Miro Gavran introduces us to a young woman who just finds out she's pregnant. The doctor who is examining her is an acquittance, and she feels embarrassed by her situation. The situation is made worse by the doctor's lack of empathy and unsensitive questions. As a reader (especially as a woman), it's easy to sympathize with this young lady.
The first chapter is actually quite brief (only two pages long), but it's very descriptive. The second chapter puts the situation in the context. In the summary, the second chapter is also listed as a part of Karolina' short story, so the chapters aren't listed individually. This is due to the unique structure of the novel. It can be argued that the opening chapter is not just the one separated by the first number and a bleak space, but the short story as a whole.
No matter how you choose to look at it, as a first chapter of the novel or the first chapter of a short story that is in itself a first chapter in a novel, those first pages informing us of a young woman that is surprised with her pregnancy are crucial. There is also a bit of foreshadowing. The fate of Karolina and her life story is not an easy one. Immediately in the novel’s opening chapter, the author shares with us that for her- early in her life it was already difficult.
What is the first female protagonist of this novel like?
As the story progresses, we learn more about Karolina's story and her personality. The young man Vlaho who assured her of his love, now backs down, and Karolina is left to deal with her pregnancy on her own.
Vlaho is a student like her, a student from the magical Dubrovnik town. Vlaho turns out to be already engaged, with his future wife waiting for him in Dubrovnik, and Karolina has to make this difficult decision on her own. To keep her baby or not?
Karolina turns to her sister Danica, who insists that she gets an aboration. Although, Karolina sees sense in her sister's suggestion, she is upset by her sister's coldness and accusatory tone. It's the least thing Karolina needs.
Karolina goes through an abortion, only to have to suffer to the news of her sister's engagement and following pregnancy. Karolina has to grieve the death of her child, a child she choose to abort and has to carry the guilt for it for the rest of her life. Even worse Karolina has to deal with it all on her own, while her sister expects her to put on a happy face for her.
Their parents don't know anything of it, and are surprised by Karolina's sudden coldness. It made me realize how oblivious we often are to the feelings of others. Someone might start acting cold, but we just assume they are that way because they choose to be- we rarely really put in an effort to understand why are they acting that way. Often people turn cold when they have been hurt or have experience some trauma.
Coldness is often a defense mechanism. I liked how the author made Karolina seem very realistic in her actions. Of course as a reader, I wanted her to be well and not shot down emotionally- but it makes sense that she did. Most people faced with traumatic experiences will try to shut themselves down.
The relationship between sisters Karolina and Danica becomes understandingly strained, as one is happily married with child, and the other is single with her guilt and a broken heart.
I couldn't understand how Karolina's sister doesn't try to comfort her. I thought this was rather cruel behaviour of one sister towards the other, but I think that people are sometimes just not aware of how cruel they can be. Not everyone is capable for a true empathy.
Danica believed she did her best by insisting on Karolina getting an abortion, and it's entirely possible that in her happiness, she just forgot about Karolina's misfortune. However, this is just the first of Karolina heartbreaks. Life has more challenges for her, and as you as a reader move through the novel, you will learn what she means by this.
The author also tells us more about Karolina's background and her parents who are rather lovely people. Karolina's father has had a tragic accident in youth, but managed to turn things around for himself. I felt that story was a bit of a Zen moment in this story, in the sense that we never know what life will bring for us. However, even a Zen student would perhaps be challenged by Karolina's set of misfortunes and tragedies. At one moment, Karolina ends up in a hospital and finds out she will never be able to have children.
Who is the main male protagonist of the story?
The main male protagonist is Benjamin, but for the most part he is in the background of this novel. The focus seems to be on woman. He comes into this story early on as a on of Danica, Karolina's sister. Initially, Karolina isn't happy about Benjamin's birth because she's angry at her sister Danica. However, with time Karolina warms up to her nephew. Once Benjamin gets a bit older, he'll draw a portrait of Karolina, a candid portrait of a woman in pain.
As the novel progresses, Benjamin will draw portraits of other women that will come into his life. The novels starts before Benjamin is born, and it continues throughout his life.
What kind of novel is it ?
It’s an postmodernist novel focusing on fates of seven women, their troubled (sometimes even) abusive circumstances and their loves. As I already said, the novel utilizes different writing forms, from emails to screenplays. Therefore the tone of the novel changes. Characterized by a generally realistic and simple prose and melancholic atmosphere, the novel is an interesting and engaging piece of writing
The Portrait of a Soul is a complex and interesting novel that isn’t easily defined. While I enjoyed how it explores the lives of seven different women, I sometimes wished their lives were explored in more detailed.
Seven characters certainly make the novel more dynamic, but as a reader I could establish as a personal relationship with them as I wanted. Perhaps this book is destined to be a different and unique experience for every reader.
As a reader, you can choose to focus on all or any of the different women portrayed in this book. There are also some philosophical touches to this novel, so you can focus on meditative passages about art, love and writing; on philosophical reflections about life; or on those more plot driven and descriptive aspects of the book.
What are the love stories in this novel like?
Well, there are as many love story this novel. As many love stories as there are women characters, indeed even more. Some female protagonist live through a couple of love stories in their lives!
Not all the loves describes are great loves, but every woman in this book experiences at least one great love- more or less sad and tragic. Some love stories in this novel are happy ones, but there's a degree of tragedy and sadness to every one. It is as if the writer understand that happiness and sadness are always mixed in this life.
What is this novel about?
I would say that this is a novel about women and their life. It's a novel that tells personal and love stories that define its female protagonists. It's a novel about being human.
In some ways, it's also a novel about what it means to be an artist, but the emphasis is more on a personal life of its heroines. Love and art are often the driving force between the novel's reflections and meditations.
Love stories are a part of this novel, but they are not always happy or romantic. Sometimes it's more a story about something that might have been a love story in different circumstances than something that is a true love story.
Is there a novel I could or would compare this novel with?
Yes, there's a list of novels I could compare it with, from the Portrait of a Lady by Henry James to many other classics.
About The Novel
Number of pages:
Summary
In this emotional novel, the plot revolves around seven women.
A painter Benjamin is in the life of each of them.
The narrative is developed in a variety of literature and non-literature types (story, letter, screenplay, email correspondence, wartime report, and memoirs).
Despite its very unusual structure, the author builds a strong and intriguing fable leading readers through the abundance of realistic life situations where we meet the novel’s vulnerable protagonists.
The plot takes place between 1960 and 2020.
First edition of a novel was published in October 2023. The publisher is Mozaik knjiga from Zagreb. The novel received a warm reception from the audience and critics. The first edition sold out within four months of its release, the second edition in Croatian was published in February 2024.
The novel has been translated into English by Martin Mayhew. The publisher is ITG digitalni tisak.
MORE POSTS ABOUT MIRO GAVRANFEEL FREE CHECK OUT MY BOOK REVIEWS OF HIS WORKS
Back in 2022, I published a review for Miro Gavran's novel Judith. I absolutely loved this novel and it remains one of my favourites from this author. Judith (the biblical character) has had a great importance for Croatian literature. In the sixteenth century Marko Marulić, also known as the father of Croatian literature, wrote an epic poem with Judith as a protagonist. Judith is a protagonist Croatian people have identified strongly with (possibly because there were actual historical Croatian women who killed the invading warlords, but more about that some other time). Another thing worth noting is that Judith (Judita) is one of the novels in Miro Gavran biblical circle. I've mentioned some of the other Gavran's biblical novels on my blog, but I don't think I reviewed all of them yet. There's time!
THE CONFLICT OF MORALITY AND SOCIAL IDENTITY IN MIRO GAVRAN'S JUDITH
Gavran, through Judith's own words, skillfully describes her childhood and her maidenhood. ThE author paints us a picture of a deeply moral person who is both moral and restricted in her understanding of morals. At some level Judith does not understand the cruelty and cruelty of the society in which she lives, that is, she feels injustice, but she has no words, imagination or understanding to interpret cruelty as such and understand what it is all about. I found that quite realistic. Judith knows no other society than her own, she has never witnessed any world other than the one in which she lived. Therefore, Judith does not object to stoning (lapidation) when she sees it, in fact she considers it something normal, even when she cannot lift the stone herself and is clearly unable to participate in such cruelty. Judith believes in the law and the prophets, and does not see a world beyond the law, at least not a world that would make any sense. For Judith, stoning is a part of her world and she does not question it, just as she does not question other laws, not because she is not sensitive or intelligent, but because, like all of us, she is deeply conditioned by her upbringing and social origins. It is the source of her tragedy. We are all more biologically and culturally programmed than we like to admit, and even deeply moral people often don’t see how callous and meaningless social morality can be, because morality is perhaps just another word for deep personal responsibility. You can read the whole review on my blog.
HOW WE BROKE OUR LEGS, A NOVEL BY MIRO GAVRAN
I listed this novel as one of the best reads of 2018. Gavran simply can't do no wrong. How We Broke Our Legs is one of the funniest books I've read so far. I passed this novel to to my husband, who found it very funny as well. We both enjoyed this book, so I can (for once) give you a double recommendation. Now, back to the subject of this book. It is written from a point of view of a child so the language is for most part very simple. There are two child narrators in this one. The first narrator is actually the father of the second narrator so obviously this novel covers two different time periods. The first period covered is the seventies and the second is the nineties. The story told takes place in Croatia, with the first part of the novel set in Slavonia (a region in Croatia) and the second part in Zagreb (Croatia's capital). A bit of background information that might also clarify some things- during the sixties Croatia was a socialistic republic of Croatia and as such a part of Yugoslavia, while during the nineties Croatia became an independent republic and is now a part of European Union. As I already said, the novel is told from a child's perspective so I was amazed how Gavran managed to reflect so well on the political and social events of the time. For example, the kid from the younger generation gets in trouble for mentioning innocent things (such as unconscious retelling of his parents making fun of the communist regime) in a school essay.
This book is focused on the characters and events of one family, but it can also be read as a social commentary. Great novel indeed. To summarize, How We Broke Our Legs is a wonderful family saga that recounts the story of a family that has a funny tradition. Every man in the family brakes his legs when he falls in love with the girl he is going to marry. It all starts with grandfather Stjepan who comes from Herzegovina to Slavonia to work in the fields. There Stephan (Stjepan) falls in love with the girl and upon her invitations spends the night in her room. The father of the girl catches them and Stjepan breaks his leg in an attempt to run away. The father of the bride does two things. Firstly, the father curses Stjepan with a peculiar curse - may all the men in his family from now on break their legs for women. Secondly, the father of the girl insists that Stjepan marries his daughter which Stjepan is happy to do (maybe because he was in love with her but perhaps also because he didn't mind getting married to a girl who is well off). All is well that ends well, right? What about the curse? The curse remains and it results in many funny situations. In reality, the curse is not so bad because it marks something positive, it is a clear sign that a man is that the family member in question has found the love of his life and is about to get married.
A part of his biblical trilogy, Krstitelj is a novel by Croatian author Miro Gavran that I immensely enjoyed. Krstitelj in Croatian means Baptist and the novel retells the life of John the Baptist. What I love most about this book is that it shows another side to Salome, portraying her as a complex character. Salome in the book is not a negative character, but rather a positive one.
Salome starts this novel as a victim of sorts, a young girl who doesn't realize that the men in her life are just taking advantage of her. As the plot develops, so does Salome's character. She turns into a strong and wise woman. Her character development is both amazingly done and credible. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed reading this novel.
ONE MORE WAY TO STYLE THIS BEIGE FLORAL DRESS
Below you can see one more Summer outfit idea featuring this dress.
MORE CLASSICAL READING RECOMMENDATIONS FOCUSING ON LOVE STORIES
EARLIER THIS YEAR, I HAD MY BOOK SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR MIRO GAVRAN!
In May, I went to a book promotion of this novel and I had my novel signed by the author.
The promotion of Mira Gavran's novel "Portret duše" in Mostar was a lovely experience. It is always a pleasure to attend the signings of his works. Whenever I can, I attend book promotions and signings. Books are treasures of knowledge, but a book with a dedication is something even more special. Every book promotion is also an opportunity to learn something new.
What I particularly remember among the conversations at this promotion is that part of the conversation about marital cooperation. It is somewhat common knowledge that Miro Gavran and his wife, the theater actress Mladena Gavran, complement each other very well professionally, but it was interesting to me to hear that they actually have the same views on theatre. Basically, there is no difference of opinion between them, which makes it a lot easier for them to work as a team.
At the promotion of the book, we had the opportunity to watch the part about the filming of the film ' The Conspirators / Urotnici' about the Frankopans of Zrín, actually the first film of its kind. Filming of the film started a few months ago in Čakovec, so this promotional material was actually shown for the first time.
We had the opportunity to see certain scenes from the film "The Conspirators" directed by the three-time winner of the Emmy award Bobby Boško Grubić. In addition, we watched a part where the actors talked about their roles. This film was shot based on Gavran's play of the same name, which the author wrote before I was born. He created the screenplay for the film based on his play work, expanding the plot and adding more characters. During the promotion, Gavran also said something about the process of adapting the play, of writing the script and turning the drama "The Conspirators" into a movie. Anyway, it was interesting to see and hear more about it.
WHERE WAS THE BOOK PROMOTION HELD?
It was held in the Croatian cultural cente (home of culture) Stjepan Kosača. Fun fact: I was legally married in this cultural centre. This is where civil weddings are held. My husband and I had the civil and religious service on the same day. The religious service was at a local church and the civil one right here. 
Who is Miro Gavran? This extremely prolific contemporary Croatian author (novelist and playwright) is the only living author to have his own theatre festival. He is the most translated Croatian author. If you want to read something a contemporary Croatian writer, look no further. Gavran's works have been translated to forty languages so chances are you will be able to read him in your mother tongue or in another language you know! Below is more information about Gavran, quoted from his official site:
MIRO GAVRAN is a contemporary Croatian author, born in 1961. His works have been translated into 40 languages, and his books are published in 250 different editions at home and abroad. His dramas and comedies have had more than 400 theatre premiers around the world and have been seen by more than four million theatre-goers.
He is probably the only living playwright in the world who has had a festival dedicated solely to his dramas and comedies in five different countries. The festival known as the GavranFest was founded in the city of Trnava in Slovakia in 2003, moved to Krakow in Poland in 2013, while as of 2016 has been held in Prague in Czeck Republic, in 2019 in Augsburg in Germany, and 2020 Belgrade Serbia.
He debuted in 1983 with the drama
Creon’s Antigone, speaking out forcefully about political manipulation. This was followed three years later by the drama
Night of the Gods, the theme being the relationship between the artist and the powers-that-be under a totalitarian system. He then wrote a cycle of plays concentrating on male-female relations, in which his heroes were often great historical persons. He has created a series of complex female characters. His heroines are both strong and emotional. He has written 55 plays to date, including
Death of an Actor,
All About Women,
All About Men,
George Washington’s Loves,
Chekhov Says Good-Bye to Tolstoy,
How To Kill The President,
Greta Garbo’s Secret,Laughing Prohibited,
Parallel Worlds,
Nora in Our Time,
My Wife’s Husband,
Dr Freud’s Patient,
The Doll,
Ice Cream,
Beer, Your Every Birthday
, Perfect Partner…
There have been first nights of his plays throughout the world, in Rotterdam, Washington, Moscow, Rio de Janeiro, Paris, Buenos Aires, Waterford, Mumbai, Bratislava, Prague, Ljubljana, Sarajevo, Krakow, Belgrade, Budapest, Athens, Augsburg, Vienna, Sofia, New York, Rome, Los Angeles, Riga, Vilnius…
In his early novels, he describes the life in the Croatian provinces, featuring everyday folk, anti-heroes of sorts, who retain a positive stance towards life even when they are confronted with injustice and major difficulties. This is perhaps best seen in his novel,
Forgotten Son (1989), in which the central personage is a slightly mentally challenged young man of twenty.
As a forty-year-old, Gavran started to write psychological-existential novels inspired by biblical characters, bringing them nearer to the sensibilities of contemporary readers. These books have been popular with both believers and non-believers, since their messages are universal.
His books have been published in all corners of the globe: in Beijing, Vienna, St Petersburg, Oslo, Istanbul, Paris, Prague, Bratislava, Sofia, Ljubljana, Cairo, Amsterdam, Jaipur…
Gavran has received over 30 literary awards in Croatia and abroad, including the CENTRAL EUROPEAN TIME Award, given annually in Budapest to the best Central European author for the overall opus, as well as the EUROPEAN CIRCLE Award given to writers for the confirmation of European values in their texts.
Gavran earned his degree in Dramaturgy at the Academy of Theatre, Film and Television in Zagreb.
He first worked as a dramaturge and artistic director at the famous ITD Theatre in Zagreb (1986 – 1992) . Since January 1993, he has been living and working as a freelance, professional writer. His theatre and prose texts have been included in numerous anthologies in Croatia and around the globe, and his work is studied at universities throughout the world.
Since April 2014 he has been a full member of the Russian Academy of Literature and since May 2014 an associate member of the Croatian Academy of Science and Art. In November of 2016 he became member of the Slovene Literature and Arts Academy whose residence is Varna in Bulgaria.
He was awarded “Dr Alois Mock Europapreis 2017” award in December 2017. The Alois Mock award has been handed out for fourteen years already to notable individuals who, in the spirit of the European idea of community, have promoted European values and unity through their literary or journalistic work, activities in the public sector, in organizations or in business.
Miro Gavran received the Decoration of Honour in Gold for Services to the Republic of Austria in Austrian Cultural Forum, Zagreb on March 20. It was awarded to him by the president of the Republic of Austria.
He was named the first Tie Ambassador by the Academia Cravatica from Zagreb in September 2018.
He is married to the actress Mladena Gavran, and they founded the GAVRAN Theatre in 2002. Their son Jakov is also an actor. SOURCE: http://www.mirogavran.com/ 26.4. 2022.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT THIS NOVEL
I loved reading about the lives of these seven women. The novel is dynamic, descriptive, well written and rounded. I liked the idea of all the female characters being somehow connected by the artist who portrays them. Moreover, the novel contains some fascinating meditations on art, which I found interesting, being a painter myself. Miro Gavran is fantastic at understanding the female psyche and he writes great female characters. However, I think I actually prefer his novels that focus on one female character. I felt like some female characters in this novel disappeared from the story just when I got attached to them. This is understandable, as with so many principal characters, the writer cannot focus on all of them equally or keep them in focus. Still, I enjoyed this novel a lot! I highly recommend it.
Thank you for reading and visiting!
Beautiful photos, I love your shoes.
ReplyDeleteGreat that you now have a book signed by the author <3
Thank you!
DeleteOi, gente. É um prazer visitar blogs bonitos.
ReplyDeleteBjus!!!!
obrigada
DeleteI like so much your dress- so beautiful. About the book I didn't read them yet but I think I have to one day. It's awesome that you get author's signature on them <3 best regards Karo
ReplyDeleteThank you. I got this dress in a second hand and I like it a lot.
DeleteParece un genial libro. Gracias por la reseña. Tomó nota. Te mando un beso.
ReplyDeleteGracias
DeleteWow, jak cudownie. A książka wydaje się bardzo mocno zajmująca.
ReplyDeleteTak, książka jest świetna.
DeleteThank you for the introduction to this author, Ivana! It must have been wonderful meeting him in person and have his book signed by him! xxx
ReplyDeleteIt was great!
DeleteDear Ivana! Thank you for telling us so much about a great book. Do you know Croatian?
ReplyDeleteI have not read any writer from Croatia.
It was interesting to know that you met this writer in person.
Yes, I do. Croatian is my first language.
DeleteI feel happy that I have a blogger friend from Croatia!
DeleteI have to read it :D
ReplyDeleteThank you !
DeleteI love the book cover! Yes, such a wonderful premise. I will definitely take note. Loved your outfits and from where you take the outfit. Gorgeous outfit for the book signing as well. Such a great review. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ellie. I love the cover art too.
DeleteThis definitely looks to be a book with such rich characters. And it is interesting to always see how women treat each other. Especially, those who are the closest as in sisters. So great to know the time line and how new this book is, as well. Thanks so much. I so love the dress with the roses..it has a very Autumn vibe! Thanks for reading and your comments. I greatly appreciate them.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is an interesting book!
DeleteI know about the writer Gavran and about the festival named after him :) Unfortunately, until now I haven't read anything by him due to lack of time, but I will definitely read something very soon thanks to you dear Ivana :) The pictures are beautiful👏🫶👍
ReplyDeleteI know about the writer Gavran and about the festival named after him :) Unfortunately, until now I haven't read anything by him due to lack of time, but I will definitely read something very soon thanks to you dear Ivana :) The pictures are beautiful👏🫶👍
ReplyDeleteThank you Leone!
DeleteStunning photos. I love how you have arranaged your books :-D
ReplyDeleteThank you Ananka! Have a great weekend!
DeleteYou look wonderful, as always! :) It's an interesting book. It's great to have the author's signature. I don't know the story but I'd like to learn more :)
ReplyDeleteYes, it's lovely to have the book signed.
DeleteYou look gorgeous dear! It feels so good when you get author's signatures. I too would love to have a copy of this :) Wonderful Post! Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteRampdiary
Thank you for introducing us to the most successful Croatian writer! The plot sounds quite interesting. 7 women and their love stories, a painter who paints their portraits, physical and emotional, all in an artistic writing, as if it were a painting with words! It must be captivating!
ReplyDeleteYour dress has delicate colors and is very elegant! I like your little corner in your house along with your paintings!
Kisses and hugs!