Ljubav je jača od mača / Tiskarska pogrješka

Ivan Dobravec Plevnik, Croatian publicist, storyteller and playwright, was the author of the book "Love is stronger than the sword", which was published in 1902. This historical narrative from the era of Turkish rule in Slavonia adheres to the Shenoin model of a historical novel. It intertwines a romantic story of love between a Muslim woman, Aga's daughter Ljeposava, and a Christian, Stanko Ilic, with a depiction of the struggle of the Slavonians against the Turks in the 17th century. Plevnik introduces historical figures such as friars Luka Ibrišimović and Mate Lapsanović, leaders of the uprising against the Turks, Ban Nikola Zrinski and others. The characters are painted in black and white, with heroes who are the embodiment of heroism and nobility on one side, and traitors and weaklings on the other. The author emphasizes the ravishing optimism and patriotism of his heroes and their faith in freedom and the power of love. The words of the Virovitica hero Stanko Ilić: "I love Croatia and the faith of my fathers, and that love is stronger than the sword" become the leitmotif of this story, which has seen as many as four editions.