Za Europu spremni
Ready for Europe by Arijana Čulina is a collection of satirical columns that humorously dissect Croatian society and its absurd political and cultural phenomena in the context of preparations for entry into the European Union.
Čulina, an actress and writer from Split, uses sharp humor and an ironic tone to mock social flaws, hypocrisy, and contradictions, offering a critique of everyday life through the prism of the Croatian mentality.
The columns cover topics such as envy ("let the neighbor's cow die"), homosexuality, illegal construction, neglect of human rights, and relationships with technology. Čulina also touches on lighter topics, such as paying homage to toilets, mocking modern Croatian vocabulary, or disrespecting etiquette. She particularly focuses on the Croatian obsession with food, mentioning Stevo Karapandža as a more important figure than Marulić or Tesla, and on unusual customs such as underwater weddings, where the question is asked: "How are we going to get the prosciutto?" The satire also extends to absurd epitaphs, tombs in "sunny locations," and the specifics of Croatian weekend houses, where each floor has a family purpose.
The book was adapted into a monodrama performed by Čulina herself, enhancing her stage charm and critical voice. Ready for Europe is a witty yet sharp commentary on Croatian reality, remaining relevant due to enduring social problems.
Two copies are available
