Stari dečki
The novel Stari dečki by Zvonimir Majdak, published in 1975, is a sequel to the cult novel Kužiš, stari moj and is part of his "prose in jeans", which is characterized by relaxed, Zagreb jargon mixed with a semi-Kajkavian style.
The story takes place in Zagreb during socialism, following the experiences of the narrator and his friend Glista, young people from the periphery who spend their lives in search of pleasure, without clear ambitions.
After the events of the first novel, Stari dečki deepens the story of their friendship and dealing with loss. The narrator thinks about the death of his friend, expecting the world to somehow react to the loss, but everyday life remains mercilessly the same – the trams are full, people act as if nothing has happened. Glista, still unhappy in love, sinks into depression after unsuccessful attempts to win over Gizela, the wife of their employer. An encounter with his idol Kurbla and the Bosnian Emina leads them into chaotic situations, including morally questionable events in the student dormitory. Glista's guilt forces him to confess, and after an encounter with the mysterious Milček, they end up in a madhouse. Glista's life is tragically cut short when he is run over by a tram.
The novel explores themes of loss, aimlessness, longing for a better life, and the brutality of everyday life, with Majdak's signature cynical humor and erotic motifs. Through vivid street language, Majdak portrays Zagreb's urban folklore and the social contrasts of the time, making the novel a faithful reflection of the life of an average Zagreb citizen.
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