A Journey Through Time: Robert Jakovljević's Poetic Memoir
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Loading... - Elke Christoph
- 26 Jul 2024
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A Personal Šibenik
Every resident of Šibenik carries a unique, intimate vision of the city, woven from personal memories and experiences. Robert Jakovljević, too, possesses his private Šibenik, which he has intricately translated into his debut literary work, Are Sparrows Closer to Horses Than People. This collection of poems, cartoons, and short stories, infused with both his imagination and fragments of others’ tales, has been published by the City Library Juraj Šižgorić in collaboration with the Šibenik Branch of Matica Hrvatska. The book was unveiled through a captivating interview conducted by journalist Živana Podrug, with actor Pave Čala reading selected excerpts that brought Jakovljević's childhood stories from the early 1960s to life.
From Engineering to Literature
Though trained as a mechanical engineer, Jakovljević first gained recognition in the 1990s for his work in branding the city of Umag, a project that garnered significant acclaim. A similar project for the City of Šibenik, however, did not reach the same level of success. Nowadays, Jakovljević resides in Žaborić and has devoted himself entirely to writing. His short story, "Glad," won this year’s metaFORA competition organized by Vladimir Nazor's Bookstore in Zagreb, and is featured in his newly released book.
The Essence of Ecology
The book’s title, Are Sparrows Closer to Horses Than People, stems from a story within the collection that resonates with the current environmental crises. Jakovljević questions whether humans are closer to animals than animals are to each other, suggesting that such introspection leads to a deeper understanding of ecology. He recalls a poignant observation by Živana Podrug about a scene where, after the death of a horse, no human approached to offer solace, but a sparrow did. This, he says, underscores our intrinsic connection to nature, which modern culture often suppresses, leading to what he describes as ecocide and urbanocide.
Jakovljević views his book as a quest for identity. He draws parallels between his work as a designer, where he created brands representing community identities, and his personal journey from a collective "we" to an individual "I". He suggests that the search for identity is not just communal but deeply personal, requiring introspection and self-discovery.
Literary Comparisons and Inspirations
The genre of Jakovljević's book has been likened to Little Mist by Miljenko Smoje, characterized by its chronological storytelling and documentary style that imbues events, people, and objects with meaning. Additionally, Ivo Jakovljević compared it to Federico Fellini’s Amarcord, highlighting its nostalgic and cinematic quality. Jakovljević acknowledges these comparisons, clarifying that while he doesn’t equate himself with Smoje, he finds similarities in how his book captures the essence of growing up and the quest for belonging within various societal structures.
At its core, Are Sparrows Closer to Horses Than People is a layered narrative that explores identity, childhood, and the myriad experiences that shape a person’s place within their family, school, and society. It offers readers a reflective journey through Jakovljević’s memories, evoking a universal search for self amid the backdrop of a changing world.
Robert Jakovljević’s debut book not only reflects his personal history but also invites readers to ponder their connections to nature, community, and self, making it a poignant addition to contemporary Croatian literature.
