Ballad for Emma

Historical fiction about a Croatian woman coming-of-age in war-torn Europe.
Raguz (The Labyrinth of Vukovar, 2016) begins this sweeping tale in the early 20th century as a young Jewish woman discovers that’s she’s become pregnant by her Christian boyfriend.

In straightforward prose, this story covers nearly a full century, chronicling historical events in Croatia and Hungary right along with those in Emma’s personal life. The tale is rich with detail about the intimidation tactics of the Communist regime in Croatia (“If you omitted something or dared to lie to us, you’ll be held accountable,” one militia man tells Emma), and about the hopelessness that many everyday people experienced, due in part to mass persecutions.

Overall, though, Raguz tells an engaging tale that sheds light on its era. A nostalgic examination of the effects of war, bigotry, and lost opportunities.

In this saga by Blanka Raguz, a woman’s life journey evolves against the backdrop of wars-ravaged Croatia and Hungary. Dealing with an undesirable arranged marriage, she clings to the memory of a past relationship while struggling to survive.

Raguz offers an emotional drama filled with sacrifices and longings as social and political climates take their toll on the less fortunate and the aristocracy alike. The author’s descriptive writing breathes life into Trenck’s Castle, which becomes an ever-evolving character that transforms from elegance to a monument of decay over the course of the novel.

Nonetheless, many will enjoy the story. The heart of this tome is reflected in Emma’s words: “Those who are no longer alive continue to exist as long as they live in our memory.” For those moved by such leanings and who appreciate historical romance, Ballad for Emma should prove a largely engaging read.

Also available in hardcover and ebook.

This unique novel builds a romance into Croatia's history.

A sweeping tale of love and setback, Blanka Raguz's historical romance Ballad for Emma encapsulates major events in the early twentieth century.

The story begins in Croatia and travels across Eastern Europe.

The novel is part romance, part historical document. The author, a Croatian native, interweaves Emma's story line with broader historical strokes. These historical segments are decisive and direct, explaining facts and details, but still allowing for emotional connections. They give great insight into how the world wars impacted Croatia and its people, highlighting the general crossfire they found themselves in. The wars are documented from both sides to avoid bias, leading to numerous accounts of tragedies and inspirational tales.

Emma's sections are more passionate and dramatic. Her story often involves reactions to historical goings-on and to personal turmoil, including elements such as misunderstandings, grudges, hope, and delicate relationship balances. These sections are held back from melodrama by reinforcement from the historical accounts, which provide context to character actions and motives. The two writing styles balance to keep things engaging and informative.

Ballad for Emma is a unique and interesting novel that builds a romance into Croatian history.