The title "" (My Only Love) most prominently refers to the 1931 novella Tonkina jedina ljubav by the Croatian writer August Cesarec . This work is a cornerstone of Croatian social realism and expressionism, focusing on the tragic life of a disabled woman in a small town.
: Despite being categorized as social realism, the work retains strong expressionist influences. It delves into the "fragmented consciousness" typical of the 1910–1930 avant-garde period, focusing on Tonka’s subjective experience and mental suffering. jedina_ljubav
: The story portrays the harsh realities of a "small-town" environment. It critiques the social structures that marginalize individuals, particularly a disabled woman like Tonka, who is defined by her isolation and her singular, unrequited love. The title "" (My Only Love) most prominently
Tonkina jedina ljubav (1931) serves as a pivotal bridge in Croatian literature between the avant-garde experiments of the 1920s and the social realism that dominated the 1930s. Written by August Cesarec (1893–1941), a prominent publicist and writer, the novella explores the internal psychological state of its protagonist, Tonka, against the backdrop of a rigid, often cruel provincial society. Author Background: August Cesarec It delves into the "fragmented consciousness" typical of