Hajduci

The main characters - Žika, Mika, Laza, Ciga, Jovanča and other local scoundrels - want to experience a real adventure, but their courage often encounters obstacles in the form of teachers, parents and neighbors. They make plans to be real outlaws, but instead of serious undertakings, their group gets into comical situations. Their "exploits" include stealing watermelons, secret meetings and attempts to oppose adults, but each of their attempts ends ingloriously, most often with punishment or escape. In addition to funny incidents, the novel depicts childhood, mischief and imaginative games of boys of that time. Through humor and irony, Nušić depicts growing up and youthful rebellion, while at the same time describing the patriarchal society and the way of education in the 19th century. In the end, the boys realize that the life of a hajduk is not so easy and they give up their plans, but their adventures remain unforgettable. Hajduk is still a favorite reading today because it depicts a sincere, playful and carefree children's imagination.