Mama, volim te
"Mama, I Love You", a novel by William Saroyan published in 1956, and in Croatia in 1958 in the "Vjeverica" library, is an autobiographical story told from the perspective of a nine-year-old girl, Twink, inspired by Saroyan's daughter Lucy.
The story follows Twink and her divorced mother, an aspiring actress, who come to New York City in search of a role on Broadway. Unexpectedly, they both land roles in the same play, and the novel follows the process of creating a theatrical production, from auditions to premiere.
Through Twink’s eyes, Saroyan portrays everyday moments—walks in the park, pancake breakfasts—with warmth and poetry, celebrating the simplicity of life. Twink, known as Frog or Mrs. Nijinsky, grapples with growing up in the adult world, while her mother balances her career and parenthood. The novel exudes Saroyan’s optimism, love for the “little man,” and his Armenian heritage, although critics have criticized its sentimentality. The story is bittersweet, filled with humor and tenderness, but also with subtle sadness over family challenges.
The rare first edition from 1958 (Squirrel Library) is particularly prized among collectors due to its limited edition and Saroyan's popularity in Croatia. The work has been translated into Croatian, preserving the author's characteristic voice and emotional depth.
Two copies are available
Copy number 1
- Slight damage to the cover
