By Katarina Tepesh

Novakovich's stories about Croatian people contain powerful metaphors that serve as both models and mirrors to our lives. As in one of his stories called “Neighbors,” where terrible destruction takes place to be followed by hope and rebuilding.

In “Snow Powder,” told from a child’s point of view, “Mirko did not cry, but tears blurred his vision, and the silvery logs and the snowman with watchful eyes and the whole sunstruck yard broke apart in shafts of light in the diamond splendor of his pain. The beauty of it all surprised him…”

All Croatians have many stories to tell, but it is an art to find a personal story and shape it into a compelling form as part of several book collections, the way Josip manages to do practically every year. Novakovich’s stories leave us with familiar description of time and place, a reflection or realization, as well as some provocative statements made by fictional characters. ”War is a horrifying mess. Usually there are no victors, only war criminals and victims.”

Being popular with American readers, Novakovich’s storytelling develops empathy, understanding and cultural tolerance by exposing readers to Croatian culture. His thought provoking stories continue to celebrate our differences, affirm our basic humanness, and build bridges of understanding pointing out ways in which we are different and alike.

Story writing binds the reader to their community by giving them a sense of history and cultural identity. Novakovich says, “Stories to my mind are like dreams and nightmares. Our fears and desires take shape, express themselves, in events.”

“Infidelities” includes a revealing interview with award winning author, where Novakovich talks about his Croatian roots, humor, wars, his tribute to other writers, explains why he rarely writes in Croatian language, why fiction as opposed non-fiction, as well as his choice of the provocative title “Infidelities.”

“INFIDELITIES – Stories of War and Lust” published by Harper Perennial $13.95 www.harperperennial.com

Josip Novakovich will travel to various cities to promote “Infidelities.” You can see his readings schedule if you follow the link:

http://www.harpercollins.com/global_scripts/product_catalog/book_xml.asp?isbn=0060583991