Svetlana Makarovič: Author – Slovenia

In truth, I don’t recognize the category of “children’s” or “young adult” literature. I write a story that charms me, that makes me happy and whoever wants to read it should. Probably with this writing, I’m nourishing the child within me.

S. Makarovič

svetlana makarovič is one of the most well-know adult and youth authors in Slovenia, and she has won several awards for her work. She is a writer of prose, poetry, children’s books, and picture books, as well as a trained actress and illustrator. Her bibliography consists of over 300 titles, and her works have been translated into English, German, Croatian, Italian, and Slovakian.

Makarovič was born in 1939 in Maribor. Following her graduation from the Academy of Performing Arts, she pursued a career on the stage for several years before devoting herself to writing. Her first book of poetry was published in 1964, and a few years later, her first children’s book was published. Her literary production for children is largely comprised of fairy tales, poetry, and picture books.

Whereas Makarovič’s adult poetry is characterized by its dark and oppressive themes, her fairy tales and poetry for children are imaginative and witty and have a much lighter and playful tone. Makarovič frequently draws upon the mythological sources of ancient Slovenian folk traditions in her literary production for children. This is especially noticeable in her fairy tales, which are composed mostly of animal stories where both real animals and imaginary creatures with peculiar names are found in abundance.

However, despite the differences in mood and tone between Makarovič’s adult poetry and her literature for children, both categories focus on how the vulnerable individual suffers from the violence caused by institutionalized society. A recurring theme in her works for children is the protagonist being forced to leave their home and embark on a journey towards adulthood. Though this is a conventional fairy tale trope, the often frightened and fragile little animal or child in Makarovič’s works has to navigate through a world that is far from idealized. They encounter cruelty and selfishness, adults who attempt to limit their playfulness, and magical creatures that unlike the traditional, benevolent fairy godmothers are unreliable and unpredictable. Yet, these stories also encourage the individual to be true to their values and believe in themselves. Makaroviç advises her readers to think and dream for themselves and not for others and to be proud and of their uniqueness.