Prvi sam te zavolio: istinite priče o duhovnim zvanjima

The book Prvi sam te zavolio (I Loved You First), authored by Evica Kraljić and Zlata Pazman Petrić (published in 1996), is a warm and emotional literary work imbued with strong sentiments of patriotism, a sense of belonging to one's native region, and spirituality. Created in the immediate aftermath of the Homeland War—a period of societal reconstruction and emotional healing—the collection reflects both personal and collective love for Croatia, its people, its natural landscape, and its traditional roots. Through verse and short prose pieces, the authors express a deep connection to their native region, the family hearth, and their religious identity. The title Prvi sam te zavolio symbolizes a sincere, primal, and unadulterated love for the homeland—a love that predates all trials and remains unshaken even in the most difficult times. Written in an accessible, lyrical, and direct style, the work radiates optimism, faith, and pride, serving as a valuable testament to the era and a beautiful contribution to Croatian regional and patriotic literature from the late 20th century.