Sabrana djela VII: Jelena, žena koje nema: pripovetke

The stories in the collection focus on the inner world of the characters, their longings, memories, sorrows and attitudes towards life. Andrić evokes the atmosphere of past times, often through the prism of memories, lost loves and unfulfilled desires. The stories touch on issues of transience, the meaning of life, human dreams and destiny.

Notable stories in the collection:

1. Jelena, the woman who is not there The title story is about an idealized image of a woman that the narrator carries in his mind, a woman who may never have existed or existed only in fragments of his memories and desires. Jelena is a symbol of unfulfilled love, the longing for perfection and the human need for a deeper connection with someone or something that transcends everyday life. The story is deeply emotional and philosophical, exploring the boundaries between reality and illusion.
2. Love in the village A depiction of love relationships in a small Bosnian town, with an emphasis on patriarchal norms, social pressures and emotional tensions. The story combines intimate portraits of the characters with rich descriptions of the social context.
3. Letter from 1920 An introspective story in the form of a letter in which the author analyzes feelings towards the past, lost opportunities and life paths he did not follow. The story evokes an atmosphere of nostalgia and dealing with transience.
4. A secluded house A story about human isolation, inner struggle and the need for understanding in a world that seems cold and indifferent.

The collection "Jelena, žena koje nema" is one of Andrić's most subtle and emotional works, which touch the deep layers of the human psyche and existence. It is ideal for readers who want to immerse themselves in introspective and reflective stories.