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Understanding Croatia: A Collection of Essays on Croatian Identity Paperback – November 1, 2018

by Božo Skoko (Author)
4.3 out of 5 stars 49 ratings
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“Božo Skoko has written a book that only a Croat could write, but one that everyone interested in Croatia today should read. He is searingly honest, while determinedly fair-minded, about what is right and wrong in this young state with such unfulfilled potential. He describes what is unique, and often maliciously distorted, in Croatia's historic identity. He examines what is self-destructive and difficult, though also lovable and admirable, in the outlook of its people. Not least, he exposes what is deplorable and inexcusable about the failure of the governing elite to live up to their responsibilities. I hope it may make some of them lose sleep, but I wouldn’t bet on it.”Robin Harris, author and historian
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  1. Print length
    389 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    November 1, 2018
  4. Dimensions
    6 x 0.98 x 9 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    1729497861
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1729497869
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (November 1, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 389 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1729497861
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1729497869
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.26 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.98 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 49 ratings

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4.3 out of 5 stars
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Top reviews from the United States

  • bear
    5.0 out of 5 stars THE BEST AND MOST DEFINITIVE BOOK ABOUT CROATIA EVER PP
    Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    As an American expat that has been involved with Croatian businesses since 2000 I found this book far and away the most in-depth explanation of all things Croatian. Of particular interest to me was the explanation of the War of Independence. I have several Croatian friends who fought in it who really had no overview except for their small part in it. As a Marine combat vet in Vietnam we really only had our PTSD issues in common as theirs was at that time still undiagnosed.

    The explanation about the sad state of all things relative to governing and bureaucratic inefficiencies and self servicing attitudes is spot on. We have had personal exposure to this since purchasing and starting a businesses in 2005. Fortunately our Croatian partner was the exception to the rule and her progressive leadership has helped make our business the success it is today.

    Overall this book is a must read for anyone interested in Croatia and should be required reading for any person employed in a government at all levels. There should then be a comprehensive test administered and if they don't get what needs to be done they should seek employment elsewhere (perhaps Serbia).
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Petar
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must read to better understand Croatian culture
    Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Interesting information, lots of historical details, useful descriptions to better understand Croatians and Croatian culture.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Margaret L Burg
    4.0 out of 5 stars informative, interesting read
    Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Well written book. Used for genealogical research
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  • Robert Tupajic
    5.0 out of 5 stars Truth
    Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Great book with true stories and description of Croatian people.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • kate
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must read!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2019
    Excellent book about a country that's often misunderstood, or not known at all....highly recommended!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Anonymous
    1.0 out of 5 stars Extremely biased historical descriptions...made it difficult to read
    Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2022
    I was really excited about reading this book but it glorifies former Croatian Nazis, attempts to rewrite Croatian history, and really does a huge disservice to whoever actually wants to learn more about the region and its people. As a Croatian, it was really disappointing to read something that includes a lot of historical revisionism and promotes ethno-nationalism. Would recommend folks skip this.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Very good read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 31, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I decided to give this book 4 starts instead of 5 because I believe few topics mentioned in there have not been dealt with fairly and rationally; the role of the Catholic Church, and the Croatian diaspora. I am a Croat, and have been living abroad for 7 years now, and that gives me very good foundations to understand and value this book in realistic terms.

    So let us start with the Catholic Church. Most Croats declare themselves as Catholic because it is part of their tradition, and not because the Church is an institution they actually value. The Church has been synonymous with corruption, power, and money. And that is what that institution represents. That's why it always hated communism, and loved extreme right-wing dictators. Church goes where the power is, and makes sure it is part of it. Church hated communism only because it was its' competitor. Even though Croats fortunately haven't suffered as much as Irish did under the influence of that institution, they will also distance themselves from it just like the Irish did. The Church might have been very important few hundred years ago, and I don't have a problem with Croatia making its' name in religious sector, but that bears no importance to Croatian future whatsoever. Nor should it as Croatia is by its Constitution defined as a secular country; something the author of this book forgets as he is obviously a great fan of the conservative and right-wing specter of Croatian politics that is in bed with the Church. Which is actually quite funny as he openly criticizes left-wing parties that had the power for being successors of the communist party, but the reality is that HDZ (Croatian Democratic Union) that the author is obviously a fan of, is the party where most hardcore communists ended up in after it was time for them to change sides and pretend to be very patriotic. That party essentially functions like a communist party, has held power for majority of Croatian independence, and the results are what they are.

    Author also mentions a referendum on a definition of marriage, and looks positively on it. It would take a lot of words to talk about that embarrassment, but the referendum only took place thanks to a rotten system, and childish games of the politicians and the Church. If everything was done according to the law the referendum would either have never taken place, or it would have been declared as irregular. It's funny how the Church was so actively involved in this referendum, explicitly breaking the law and the foundation of the modern Croatia. But when it comes to disadvantaged, abused, discriminated etc. the Church is much less interested. And in the end it was all for nothing because the Constitutional court explicitly said that the definition of a marriage must not limit the rights of same-sex couples in any way, and luckily social democrats were in power, and made sure that same-sex couples in Croatia can effectively marry, and are almost equal to married couples. So common sense and freedom did win in the end. Croatia is, thanks to two terms that social democrats had in the office, a country with a very high level of protection for LGBT citizens. Something the author should be very proud of considering how he sees Croatia of the 21st century.

    Second issue I have is the way Croatian diaspora has been written about. I agree Croatia should really start looking into building connection with the diaspora in a way that would benefit it. That is something that should be a priority. It is of course no secret that diaspora helped a lot during the War. However, the lukewarm relationship Croatia currently has with the diaspora is not solely Croatia's fault. Most members of the diaspora that got involved in politics during the 1990s were people who have held extreme political views, and have grown up being taught how nazi-puppet state of NDH was a good thing. Their idea of Croatia was based on the stories of their parents who have left small villages that offered no future. And when people like that started getting seats in our parliament (Sabor), of course people in Croatia got upset. Diaspora seats in Sabor were effectively votes for HDZ. Luckily they don't have as many seats anymore, and play no role in daily politics. Why should people that pay no taxes in Croatia decide on its future? The author mentioned how SDP was to blame for this, but the truth is that most Croats in Croatia don't see diaspora as something that could bring positives to the country. My father was involved with diaspora during the 1990s, and he was shocked how uneducated and ignorant a lot of them were. When he went to Canada for the first time in 1992 they actually asked him if he knew what a VCR player was. Really??? And most Croats from diaspora, especially the ones living in North America really did think we had no colored TVs, no VCR players, and when they would visit Croatia they would often offend us by giving children 20 dollars thinking how that was life changing. I have many examples similar to this one. Luckily situation today is different thanks to a globalized world, but I still see ignorance when talking to members of diaspora. So what we really need is an agency in Croatia that will be quite clear about what is it that we want to do with the diaspora. Politically neutral. And as funny as that sounds it is not difficult to achieve. It only takes one person in politics who is not spineless to actually start something.

    The rest of the book is, however, brilliant. The author talks with a lot of passion, and a reader can learn a lot about Croatia, and get the idea on where the country should be heading. Ignore the part about the church, and most parts about diaspora, and you get a fantastic book that I very much recommend.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Zed
    5.0 out of 5 stars For those that want to know more about Croatia
    Reviewed in Canada on June 10, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Croatia is not just the beautiful Adriatic Coast, but also a very interesting people with a long and proud history. As with all peoples, the Croats have their good side and bad side but the good side far outweighs the bad. This book provides an insight into the "inside" of the people. It is an easy read with short article-like chapters. Enjoy.
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  • Ivan Damjanovic
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ausgezeichnet
    Reviewed in Germany on April 10, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Ausgezeichnete und exzellente Presentation der Geschichte und der Gegenwart
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