In March, we commemorated the birth of Marija Jurić Zagorka—a woman whose work, courage, and talent left an immense legacy and made a significant contribution to Croatian literature and journalism.
As Croatia’s first professional female journalist and a prolific writer, Zagorka gave a voice to and brought to life through her works an army of unnamed women who contributed to society. Driven by a sincere desire for emancipation, she founded the magazines *Ženski list* and *Hrvatica*, promoting political and feminist activism while also incorporating ideas of national identity into her efforts.
She herself never claimed that her novels should be approached as works of high literature. On the contrary, they are essentially popular newspaper fiction, but this does not diminish the lasting value of her work or the influence her characters have had on a wide readership.
Let us therefore pay tribute to Zagorka, long after her time, by reading her novels and appreciating the insight, intelligence, talent, and determination with which she enriched Croatian literature.
Visit our Library to see an exhibition of works by Marija Jurić Zagorka and take part in the entertaining quest *Escape from Grič! Save Nera!*
The exhibition was conceived and prepared by student Sara Gotal.
