Ptice nebeske: Pikarski roman
"Birds of Heaven: A Picaresque Novel", a work published in 1990, is a humorous and satirical story that follows the adventures of Frane Matulin, a Šibenik adventurer and robber, in 18th-century Dalmatia under Venetian rule.
The novel, written in the spirit of the picaresque genre, is full of humor, irony, and criticism of social and religious hypocrisy, interwoven with Brešan's characteristic linguistic playfulness. Frane, a poor young man with a quick tongue and a sharp mind, sets out on a journey after a false accusation of theft forces him to flee. His adventures take him through a colorful world: from encounters with greedy priests and corrupt rulers to love affairs with witty women. Frane navigates every situation, using charm and deceit, while confronting social injustices and the hypocrisy of the elite. The novel is filled with colorful characters, such as treacherous nobles and simple-minded peasants, and witty dialogues in the Dalmatian dialect.
Brešan satirizes power, religion, and social norms through Frane's story, while celebrating the joy of life and the resilience of the common man. The novel ends on a note of hope, but also of bitterness, as Frane, despite his spirit, remains trapped in a world that limits him. "Birds of Heaven" is a brilliant portrayal of the Dalmatian spirit and the universal struggle for freedom.
One copy is available
