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Why Did I Lie to You by Julijane Matanović, published in 1997 by Mozaik Knjiga, is an intriguing work that combines autobiographical elements with fiction, raising questions about the veracity of the story. Set in a Slavonian village, the story follows the growing up of a girl named Julijane, who is raised by her aunt and uncle after her parents abandon her in Gradačac. Through a series of episodes – from the loss of her friend Ljilja, who moves to America, to the conflict over her own name and identity – the author explores themes of family, loss, maturation and trauma. Stories about shoes, chandeliers, trains and books symbolise the past and the longing for belonging. Matanović skillfully blurs the line between reality and fiction, often leaving readers wondering what is true and what is a lie. Her style, although sometimes burdened with long sentences, exudes emotion and intimacy, evoking readers’ memories of their own childhood. The work became a bestseller, with more than 56,000 copies sold in 16 editions, winning the Josip and Ivan Kozarac Award. Through storytelling, the author confronts her own remorse and seeks reconciliation with the past, while inviting readers to reflect on their own lives.