Drink in the Summer: A Memoir of Croatia

Tony Fabijančić has traveled to Yugoslavia and Croatia, the homeland of his father, since childhood. He spent time with his peasant family in the village of Srebrnjak in the north and escaped to the Adriatic islands in the south. Drink in the Summer is a unique record of a place and people now lost to time, a description of a country's varied landscapes, and a journey of discovery, freedom, beauty, and love.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 11 October 2023
Publisher: AU Press

Tony Fabijančić has had the privilege of traveling frequently to his father's homeland, Yugoslavia and Croatia, since childhood. He cherished the opportunity to spend time with his peasant family in the picturesque village of Srebrnjak, nestled in the northern region. However, he also sought solace in the southern Adriatic islands, where he could escape the confines of everyday life and immerse himself in the freedom and beauty of the region.

These two worlds, the north, characterized by the haunting saga of family life, its rich history, and material practices, and the south, a place defined by travel and escape, formed the two halves of Fabijančić's Croatian life. Over time, he witnessed Srebrnjak transform from a vibrant community of peasants from the 1970s, which he had initially been introduced to, into a white-collar weekend retreat. The memories of the community that once thrived there now seemed like distant echoes.

Drink in the Summer is a remarkable record of a place and people now lost to time. It offers a captivating description of the diverse landscapes of a country, showcasing the lush green valleys and plum orchards of the continental interior, as well as the austere and skeletal karst coast. This book serves as a journey of discovery, freedom, beauty, and love, taking readers on a nostalgic trip to a place that no longer exists in the present.

Fabijančić's writing is filled with vivid descriptions and evocative imagery, allowing readers to feel a deep connection to the land and its people. His storytelling is masterful, transporting readers to a bygone era and immersing them in the joys and struggles of a simpler time. Through Drink in the Summer, Fabijančić pays tribute to the heritage and culture of his father's homeland, and his book serves as a valuable reminder of the beauty and complexity of the past.

In conclusion, Tony Fabijančić's journey to Yugoslavia and Croatia has been a lifelong pursuit of connection and exploration. Through his writing, he has captured the essence of a place and people now lost to time, offering a glimpse into a bygone era and reminding us of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. Drink in the Summer is a testament to Fabijančić's talent as a writer and his deep love for the land he calls home.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781771993807