The literary opus of Slobodan Novak is not large, but it is one of exceptional quality. His work includes poetry, short stories, novels, and dramatic texts as well as many essays and critical articles printed in various newspapers and literary journals. With only a few published volumes, Novak's work ranks among the highest accomplishments of contemporary Croatian literature.

Slobodan Novak was born on 3 November 1924 in Split to Duje Novak, a caterer, and his wife, Marija, née Smoje. After his mother's early death Novak moved to one of the Adriatic islands, Rab, where he spent his childhood living with his aunt. After completing elementary school Novak returned to Split to continue his schooling in the Catholic Seminary and state high school. When World War II broke out and the Italian forces occupied Dalmatia, Novak's education was interrupted. Once again he left Split, this time for Susak, near...