The novel "The Zrinjski-Frankopan Conspiracy" (1893) was the most widely read Croatian book for ten years, and, thanks to the interest of readers at the time in historical events, it had a huge influence on younger generations of readers.
The very title of the novel tells us how Kozarac was preoccupied with the uncultivated, dead land that is waiting for a man, a hardworking peasant, who will cultivate it. He called it "dead capital".
In his stories, the author intertwines real city toponyms and supernatural phenomena with motifs from Meyrink's mystical novels about Prague and magical realism of the Borges type.
Although with completely different characters, one withdrawn and unsure of himself and his decisions, the other unrestrained in his life choices, Bobby and Jonathan have been best friends since childhood.
The main character, Ivan, explores his roots and family history. Through his travels and encounters with different people, the novel explores themes of identity, belonging, love and the past.