Daniel
Jakacic
Author of Anja, Against The Odds
Welcome
Welcome to my website. This is intended to provide readers and others interested in my debut novel and sequels, with background information, and a way of connecting via a newsletter or contact form.
Daniel
Anja, Against The Odds
In the tumultuous world of 1950s rural Slovenia, Anja is young, brilliant, talented—and caught in the oppressive grip of a corrupt government. As she navigates a landscape of betrayal and hardship, Anja’s determination to save her family’s farm from ruin propels her into a dangerous game of survival. With her father imprisoned for resistance and the threat of nationalization looming over their heads, her courage and resourcefulness are put to the ultimate test.
From the shadows of a totalitarian regime to the treacherous halls of a government-owned factory, Anja’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Will she triumph against all odds, or will the forces aligned against her prove too powerful? In a world where survival means daring to defy the impossible, Anja, Against the Odds is a riveting tale of resilience, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bond of family.
Format: Paperback, Ebook
Publisher: Books Fluent
Publication date: 17 September 2024
ISBN: 978-1-953865-76-2 (ebook) / 978-1-953865-75-5 (paperback)
Praise for Anja, Against The Odds
“A compelling tale of a brave young woman who tries her best to survive in an unfair world… Anja: Against the Odds offers a gripping and heartbreaking view of life in Slovenia during a Communist regime through the eyes of a resilient young woman. If you love historical novels based during or after the Second World War era, I recommend this one.”
Independent Book Review
About Daniel
Daniel Jakacic was born in Adelaide, South Australia, the son of a blacksmith. Both his parents were originally from Europe. During his earliest years, the family lived in Enfield, a suburb popular with blue-collar workers and migrants.
When still very young, he was awarded the title of dux of his class in recognition of his outstanding academic performance. He also showed an early aptitude for track and field, competing as a sprinter at the state level. Developing an interest in business and encouraged by his teachers, Daniel qualified for entry to study economics at university.
To help fund his studies, Daniel took up casual work in a variety of roles, often in the hospitality, marketing and related sectors.
While at university, Daniel regularly competed as part of the university debating team, eventually becoming vice-captain. He also became involved in the Shakespearean society and developed an interest in the theatre and film.
In between work and study, Daniel became involved with a drama group and underwent informal training as an actor.
He subsequently appeared in a number of theatrical productions, student films and worked as an extra in various television and movie productions. He also wrote poetry, some of which was published in a student magazine. As his involvement in the hospitality and creative industries gathered momentum, he drifted away from university.
Gradually, Daniel returned to university and went on to complete degrees in politics, philosophy, law and psychology, with a minor sequence in creative writing. After some time in full-time work, Daniel reconnected with his interest in writing creatively, mainly through writing short stories.
In around 2012, Daniel began formulating ideas that would inform the first draft of his debut novel, Anja, Against The Odds. In around 2014, he began work on the initial draft and continued working on it from time to time as the ebb and flow of other commitments allowed. After many re-writes and endless edits, the initial draft was largely finished around 2019. Daniel returned to the draft in 2023 as preparations began in earnest to prepare it for publication. Anja, Against The Odds went on to be published in September 2024.
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Contact Daniel
He loves hearing from gentle, intelligent people, especially if they’re readers. You’re welcome to send him a message.