Strauss’s Soliloquy by Aleksa Dukanovic opens with a strangely captivating exploration of what may have happened to the body of famed novelist Nikolai Gogol, drawing readers immediately into a world where history and fiction meld seamlessly. We’re next transported to Franz Kafka’s deathbed, witnessing the profound musings of the iconic Czech writer as he reflects on his life’s end. Later, we uncover unsettling details about Adolf Hitler’s medical history. Though a clear thematic thread may be elusive, the dreamlike tone permeates every story, and journeying through Dukanovic’s mind is an experience akin to exploring uncharted literary territory.

This excellent collection of stories, originally written in Serbian and translated into English, demonstrates a deep literary pedigree. Readers familiar with Camus or Kafka will find echoes of their existential musings here, while Dukanovic’s prose has a Nabokovian wit reminiscent of Pale Fire. Each tale, though brief, bears the weight of immense ideas, immersing readers in a world that feels familiar and strange. The kind of place where philosophical pondering meets surreal landscapes.

While short stories are often considered a lost art in contemporary literature, author Aleksa Đukanović defies this trend with flair. These pieces are eccentric, occasionally offbeat, perhaps in part due to the translation, yet this rendition seems only to intensify the potency of his vision. The translation enhances, rather than diminishes, the charm of these tales. Dukanovic’s unique, fluid, and contemplative voice is felt clearly despite any linguistic barriers.

These stories lack traditional narratives, which might challenge some readers early on. However, for those who persist, treasures await. Midway through, “Nosferatu – A Symphony of Horrors: The Undead Max Shrek” emerges as a haunting highlight, a story as eerie as it is riveting.

Strauss’s Soliloquy offers an extraordinary reading experience that transcends genre and defies easy categorization. But I think these tales aren’t meant to be figured out. They’re best appreciated as spellbinding snapshots of Dukanovic’s surreal and exotic imagination. Readers who delight in unconventional fiction, where meaning unfolds in waves, will relish this collection’s strange magic.