Grenki med
 | |
| Author | Andrej E. Skubic |
|---|---|
| Language | Slovenian |
Publication date | 1999 |
| Publication place |  Slovenia |
| ISBN | 86-341-2349-9 |
Grenki med (Bitter Honey) is a novel by Slovenian author Andrej E. Skubic. First published in 1999 by the publisher DZS. The novel received the 2000 Kresnik Award for the best novel in Slovene.
Plot
The novel introduces a group of English translators working in Ljubljana along with their Slovenian colleagues. The story begins with a fight. The action then moves to a tavern where Jana, Brian, Duane, Izidor, and Jenny discuss their work and romantic troubles. Jana also shares how Professor Hrček courted her. The scene then shifts to the seaside, where the group spends a day trip. Jana expresses her desire to take revenge on Professor Hrček. The narrative returns to the tavern, where Jenny, Jana, Duane, Izidor, and Brian talk about their negative experiences in Slovenia. Izidor describes his friend Ian, who worked in Ljubljana a year ago, and mentions that Ian had a girlfriend named Claire. Over coffee, Jenny and Jana decide to take revenge on Professor Hrček; Jenny seduces him, lures him to an apartment, undresses him, and Jana photographs him. Duane, Jenny’s boyfriend, accidentally receives Jenny’s pay slip at work, which reads Jenny Claire Donahue. Another storyline features a girl named Claire recounting her memories of her boyfriend Ian, who worked in Slovenia for six months. Upon returning home, Ian pays little attention to Claire, preferring to spend time with friends. Claire confesses to cheating on him, explaining it was to strengthen their relationship. After an argument, Ian leaves, and Claire departs. Duane recalls a vacation he spent with his friend Chaz in Scotland, where a conversation about Ian arose. After the vacation, the friends mainly stay in touch via emails. When Duane sends Chaz a photo with Jenny, Chaz realizes Jenny resembles Ian’s ex-girlfriend Claire. They become curious about Ian’s whereabouts, and Chaz eventually finds him in a hospital, where he ended up after a severe accident that left him paralyzed.
See also