Moj tata spava s anđelima

This poignant and autobiographically inspired novel is one of the most prominent works of Croatian war literature for children and young people. Written in the form of diary entries, the novel follows an eleven-year-old girl, Cvijeta Matković, who records dramatic events in war-torn Osijek during the autumn and winter of 1991. Through her honest and simple descriptions, the reader witnesses the sudden interruption of a carefree childhood, life in dark basement shelters, the sound of dangerous sirens and the constant fear of devastating shells. The title of the novel carries a deep and emotional symbolism derived from tragic losses – Cvijeta is left without her father and close friends who perish in the war, but her childish imagination and spirituality seek solace in the thought that they are now "sleeping with the angels". Despite the difficult themes of suffering, persecution and destruction, Tomaš manages to weave into the structure of the novel the strength of family love, childhood friendship, first sympathies and unwavering hope for the victory of peace. The work, which was also used in the feature film My Dear Angels, has become an indispensable part of school reading and a lasting testimony to the impact of war on the most vulnerable – children.