In Novi Sad, “the Athens of Serbia,” human rights activist Nataša Žarković’s close encounter with an alleged war criminal throws her life into chaos, as she finds herself dogged by corrupt federal agents.
But was a war criminal even Nataša’s target? Or was it instead self-proclaimed literary icon Vojislav Počuča, being silenced for his unwavering literary authenticity and patriotism? Vojislav certainly thinks the latter, and takes great exception to Nataša’s name being mentioned higher than his own in the online product description.
With masterful control of plot and characterization, Milan Tripković’s innovative narration blows a hole through the fourth wall and puts a revolving door in its place. A truly cinematic novel which reads like a Shakespearean comedy by way of Tarantino.
Shortlisted for the 2022 NIN Award, Serbia’s leading literary prize.
Margaret Radigan –
First, I must say that this book should be turned into a movie! The story was a refreshing mixture of silliness and seriousness that it wholly captivated me throughout the experience. I enjoyed feeling part of the narrator’s group that followed each character to experience the mystery unfolding together. This story also piqued my interest in this part of the world and I will enjoy learning more about the Balkans from both non-fiction and novels.
GMD –
Serbian novelist Milan Tripkovic’s The Club of True Creators, a novel that mixes suspense and social commentary with generous applications of humor, features a bevy of intriguing characters. Included among the distinct personalities one meets are those in the club of titular reference, distinctly drawn but having in common a perception of themselves as literary lions bearing the responsibility of preserving traditional culture against the intrusion of contemporary, Western-influenced Serbian literature and society.
In the aftermath of a scene in which Creator Vojislav Pocuca is witness to an automotive bashing of war criminal Rajko Pesut, a bashing Pocuca is narcissistically convinced was intended for himself, he and Serbian intelligence agents led by corrupt and curmudgeonly sergeant Marjan Kostres, are propelled forth in separate subplots and for disparate reasons on adventures that coalesce in a masterful conclusion combining serious social commentary with wit and empathy.
The reader could recall Kafka in the novelist’s focus on the absurdities and injustices wrought by those in authority; even closer to the spirit of The Club of True Creators, is the work of American novelist Kurt Vonnegut, portraying with alternately dark and whimsical humor a cast of imperfect characters in a society fraught with scars, both historical and contemporary. But then Milan Tripkovic’s work, complete with a contingent of plural narrators who lend great forward movement to the plot and subplots, delivers in this novel a singular accomplishment.