The review critically evaluates Alen Mešković's novel 'Den smukkeste afsked' (The Most Beautiful Farewell), suggesting that it may frustrate readers who are keen on identifying plot holes and logical inconsistencies in narratives. The story introduces a speculative future, grounded in a historical premise involving the figure Orlando de Vincenzi, who purportedly created a method to determine a person's year of death as early as 1511. However, the revelation of this method is delayed until the 1960s, setting the stage for a unique exploration of mortality.

While the novel's strength lies in its radical vision of the future, it may lack in-depth detail and strong character development, which could leave some readers yearning for a more thorough narrative structure. The author seems to prioritize a quirky storytelling approach over the conventional expectations of plot construction. This stylistic choice reflects Mešković’s interest in engaging readers in a conversation about life, death, and the ethical implications of knowing one’s mortality.

The implications of this subject matter resonate with contemporary concerns about the intersection of science and human experience, particularly the ways in which knowledge of death can impact relationships and personal choices. Mešković's novel therefore challenges readers to reflect on their understanding of life and death, deftly framing a dialogue that invites both introspection and philosophical inquiry regarding human existence.