Pioneering novel on organ transplantation and one of the most famous Croatian novels in the world, published almost 40 years ago

Slavenka Drakulić's 1987 novel, "Holograms of Fear," is presented as a pioneering work in Croatian literature, particularly noted for its groundbreaking exploration of organ transplantation and its powerful opening lines. The novel's first sentence, "Of course I am afraid," immediately draws the reader into a state of vulnerability, followed by "I was afraid the whole time," which anchors the narrative in a persistent, enduring fear.

The author, Slavenka Drakulić, is described as a renowned Zagreb journalist and a feminist figure whose work carried an "exciting anti-systemic" and elitist tone. The novel was published by Grafički zavod Hrvatske, then considered the most elegant and elite publishing house in Zagreb and Yugoslavia. This publisher was known for its intellectually challenging titles, presented with exceptional graphic design and bookbinding, reflecting a broader trend of aesthetic redesign in Yugoslav publishing during the 1980s.

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Of course I am afraid.

The article recounts the personal significance of purchasing the book, driven by Drakulić's reputation. The author's background as a journalist for publications like Start and Danas, coupled with her feminist stance, made her a compelling and somewhat rebellious figure. The narrative touches upon a past incident where Drakulić's critical voice was a dissonant element in an affair that concerned the writer personally, involving the State Security Service's intervention in a private gathering.

"Holograms of Fear" is recognized not only for its literary merit but also for its thematic depth, addressing real-life situations and complex human emotions. Its publication marked a significant moment in Croatian literary history, with Drakulić's distinctive voice contributing to the intellectual discourse of the era.

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I was afraid the whole time.