Ani Župančič: Memories on Oton

On June 11, 2019, 70 years have passed since the death of the Slovenian poet, playwright, translator and essayist Oto Župančič. Memories of the poet, written in notebooks by Oto’s wife, Ana Župančič (nee Kessler), were edited by her granddaughter, Alenka Župančič, and published in this book.

Ani Kessler, the daughter of a councillor in Novo Mesto, an intelligent, educated woman, already adored the poetry of Oton Župančič as a girl. In 1911, Ivan Cankar introduced Kessler to the poet. Ani and thirteen-year-older Oton were married two years later. These are just some of the interesting things in the biographical narrative, where the poet’s life and work are described through the eyes of a caring, loving wife, and at the same time the work is a credible insight into the ground-breaking historical events of that era. The book is packed with photos from the family album and comments and cover words.

Memories on Oto are a valuable document and a personal story at the same time, and its narrative and observational gifts are by no means overlooked. Readers will learn about his character, habits, attitudes, his family and social life, creative hardships, and learn a lot about new things.