Novel
The Tenth Brother
Deseti brat
Josip Jurčič · 1866
Synopsis
Lovro Kvas, a young man without means who wants to study in Vienna, becomes a tutor at the manor of Slemenice, in Lower Carniola, in the household of a wealthy landowner whose young son he teaches. He falls in love with the daughter of the house, Manica, who loves him in return. A village eccentric, Martinek Spak, who calls himself the “tenth brother”, the one popular belief dooms to misfortune, supports him. But Manica is promised to Marijan, heir to the neighbouring castle, who despises the poor tutor; and the lord of that castle, Dr Piškav, hides a past that Martinek knows.
Context
The author wrote it in Vienna, and it appeared in 1866 in Klagenfurt; it has become a popular book over time. The motif of the “tenth brother” comes from Slovene tradition, which holds the tenth child to be a bringer of misfortune, and is found in a folk song. Around the lovers, the drinkers at the inn and colourful villagers, among them the peasant Krjavelj, give the story its flavour. In 1901 Fran Govekar made from it a popular play in five acts that keeps its scenes.
Who it is for
A novel of intrigue and village customs, to be read for its characters; there is no French translation.
Prizes and reception
Recognised as the first novel of Slovene literature; brought to the stage as early as 1901 by Fran Govekar.