Matković Blanka: Od Vrana do Žabe - hrvatski protukomunistički otpor djelovanjem širokobrijeških i neretvanskih križarskih skupina (1944. - 1948.)

Blanka Matković: From Crow to Frog - Croatian anti-communist resistance through the activities of Širokobrije and Neretva crusader groups (1944 - 1948)

The author Blanka Matković in the work entitled From Crow to Frog: Croatian anti-communist resistance through the activity of Širokobrije and Neretva crusader groups (1944 - 1948), in a systematic way presented the organization and mode of action of the Croatian resistance to the newly established communist authorities. Approaching the topic provides a more complete insight into the development of circumstances that marked the time of aggressive imposition of the Yugoslav communist ideological and worldview concept, as well as the active opposition of a part of the Croatian people to the imposed circumstances. Considering the complexity of the situation that prevailed in the post-war period related to the topic under consideration, more specifically in the period from the end of 1944 to 1948, that is, until 1951, the author marked this particular time period with the phrase "Crusade years". It is indisputable that certain Croatian regions were more marked by numerous events related to the activities of the anti-communist resistance, primarily marked by the activities of crusader groups, which is systematically processed and presented in this work. In this context, it is important to note that the author Blanka Matković managed to shed light with her thorough approach on the set of events that consequently influenced the further development of opportunities in Croatia. In addition, it concretely filled the existing gap in Croatian historiography, especially when it comes to this topic, and thus opened up possibilities for further research and interpretation of the circumstances that characterized the period of consolidation and strengthening of the established Yugoslav communist totalitarian regime. This is precisely why this work is a guide and an example of how to deal with topics from Croatia's relatively recent past, which are still the subject of numerous disagreements and disagreements on a professional, but also wider social level.
- associate professor Ph.D. Zlatko Begonja

The author Blanka Matković focuses on the little-researched aspects of the Croatian anti-communist resistance, providing a detailed insight into the activities of crusader groups in the Biokovo-Neretva and Herzegovina areas. Despite all the problems, she uses a wide range of sources including archival documents, participant testimonies and existing literature to reconstruct the complex network of crusading groups, their activities and actions. Her use of sources from different perspectives is particularly valuable, which enables a balanced presentation of events and actors. The author also conducts a critical analysis of the sources, highlighting their strengths and limitations, which further increases the credibility and scientific value of the monograph. Through an analysis of the activities of the crusaders and their helpers, known as jataci, Matković provides insight into the organization and operations of these groups. It is particularly interesting how the crusaders managed to survive and operate despite intense persecution. The author describes in detail the specific actions the Crusaders took, including sabotage, attacks on communist targets, and the organization of support networks. This monograph brings a new perspective on the Croatian anti-communist resistance, highlighting the importance of local initiatives and individual destinies within a broader historical context. The monograph is written clearly and accessible, with a rich apparatus of footnotes and references that enable further research. For all those who are interested in the history of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially the period immediately after the Second World War, "From Crow to Frog" is essential reading that enriches the understanding of the complex historical dynamics of that turbulent time. 
- M.Sc. sc. Vedran Petrović