The passing of Slavenka Drakulić, a writer who defied nationalism and oblivion

News of death Slavenka Drakulić resonated throughout the region and the world of culture. At the age of 77, the author whose books and journalistic texts stimulated debates about society, politics, the position of women and the legacy of wars in the former Yugoslavia for decades passed away. Her work remains a lasting testament to the courage to speak about topics that many avoided.

During the turbulent 1990s, when nationalist ideas dominated the public sphere, Drakulić remained consistent with her beliefs. She warned sharply about the dangers of hatred, war and collective delusions, for which she was often exposed to attacks and challenges. A particularly difficult period followed after a media campaign in which she, along with several other intellectuals, was labeled as an opponent of the dominant political narrative. The consequences were serious – she withdrew from domestic public life and moved to Sweden, where she continued to build an international career.

It was her experiences of exile and observation of post-communist Europe from a different perspective that she transformed into a series of notable works of journalism. Through books such as "Balkan Express" and "Coffee Europe", she brought the complex political and social processes that shaped the region after the breakup of Yugoslavia closer to foreign audiences.

Her literature was deeply connected to personal experiences, but it always went beyond the autobiographical framework. The novel "Holograms of Fear", written after a kidney transplant, opened up the themes of illness, vulnerability and facing death in a way that was unusual for the literary scene of the time. Later, in the novel "As if I Were Not There", she depicted the tragedy of war violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina through the fate of one woman, creating a work of strong emotional and universal value.

A special place in her later work was occupied by stories about women who remained in the shadow of famous men. She wrote about Fridi Kahlo, Dori Mar i Milevi Einstein, seeking to shed light on their lives, talents, and personal sacrifices that have often been overlooked in historical accounts.

Even in her later years, she did not give up on social engagement. As a columnist, she continued to analyze contemporary phenomena and political processes, while in her book "They Would Not Step on an Ant" she offered a deep analysis of war crimes and the mechanisms that can turn ordinary people into violent people. In doing so, she left a strong warning about the responsibility of the individual in the face of ideologies and historical circumstances.

Throughout her career, Drakulić has collaborated with prominent global media outlets, including The New York Times and The Guardian, and her books have been translated into numerous languages. Although she gained international recognition during her lifetime, her works today have added value as a document of the times and a reminder of the importance of critical thinking.

The passing of Slavenka Drakulić is a great loss for literature and journalism. She leaves behind a rich legacy that will continue to inspire new generations of authors, researchers, and readers. Her books remain proof that the written word can be both a testimony of an era and a strong voice in defense of human dignity.