Underneath the Baldachin

About Underneath the Baldachin

UNDERNEATH THE BALDACHIN is a philosophical and existential novel that explores the tension between beauty, fear, depth, and free will. Written in rich poetic language, this deeply introspective work invites the reader to question the nature of their identity, the meaning of their existence, and the search for truth.
For readers of Hermann Hesse, Albert Camus, and Paulo Coelho, this literary journey offers a unique experience and vision—one that dares to look and scratch deeper beneath the surface, underneath the baldachin.

Synopsis
The first part:
The action takes place in the idyllic town of Shield, where a group of young people gathers in the summer and spend most of their time on the riverbank and philosophize. But one day an incredible rich man comes to Shield who will soon spoil their idyll. Namely, he decided to buy the entire Shield and finally set it on fire. He intended to build a large film studio in its place (“City of Illusions”). They tried to resist, but failed and he had them killed. Only the main character David was saved.
The second part:
In contrast to the first part, the second part is optimistic. The main character David did not age a day in it, but only continued the story from Shield. He also met new characters in it. One of them is Leon, with whom he goes to the Sahara, to thank his savior Mensur, for saving his life in the first part of the novel. The two then go on a hike to Sanitag de Compostela, believing they will experience catharsis there. After Compostela, they go to America, where they quickly become aware that things will be very difficult to change there because the problems are piling up more and more. After America, they return to Europe, still not losing hope that everything will end well in the end.

Buy the book, and follow the author on social media:

Buy the Book Here.

Author Bio:
Author Bio
Dražen Kalenić is a Croatian author whose literary work is grounded in philosophical reflection and moral inquiry. Originally trained in technical sciences, he later turned to art, first through photography and design, then fully dedicating himself to literature.

His breakthrough novel Underneath the Baldachin (1995), now reissued in a two-part edition, explores themes of spiritual decline, power, sacrifice, and beauty through allegorical storytelling and layered narration.

Kalenić’s writing is inspired by Western philosophical tradition and classic literature, particularly authors like Robert Musil. His characters confront the tension between good and evil, faith and betrayal, and the search for moral clarity in a complex world.

He lives and works in Zagreb, Croatia.
clection526@gmail.com

Editorial Reviews
• Academician Ranko Marinković:
“You wrote a miracle!”
• Prof. Slavko Harni, National Library of Croatia:
“An original literary voice… Kalenić joins the philosophical investigation of man as a seeker of beauty. His writing rebels against stylistic comfort and explores the moral complexity of human life.”
• Drago Z. Spectar:
“Kalenić offers a layered allegorical novel, exposing the spiritual and moral challenges of our age. The book is read in one breath, and reminds us we are all under the baldachin.”
• J.S. Wagner:
“A literary achievement that should be read worldwide. Underneath the Baldachin is a phoenix-like masterpiece, rising from personal and collective trauma to affirm the essential truth of love and faith.”
• Academician Ante Lib Matić:
“Read the first and last sentence… If they stay with you – as they did with me – you’ll know this story matters.”