Mladost na stopnicah

Mladost na stopnicah is a novel by Slovenian author Anton Ingolič. It was first published in 1962. The novel deals with the coming of age of a troubled youth who neglects his schoolwork and eventually decides to train as a car mechanic. He gets into trouble but is treated leniently.

The novel tells the story of Ciril Ogrin, a 17-year-old boy living in Ljubljana with his sickly mother. Still mourning the death of his father in a concentration camp, Ciril is a restless and insecure teenager who begins to neglect his schoolwork and fall in with bad company. He leaves high school and works for a short time at a gas station before deciding to train as a car mechanic. Under the guidance of his colleague, Zevnik, Ciril quickly learns how to drive and repair cars, but also witnesses Zevnik's corrupt and dishonest behavior.

Ciril himself gets into trouble, stealing a car from the garage to take his girlfriend, Gina, on a trip to the sea. The police catch him, but he is treated leniently by the court and is assigned a social worker to help him. During this period, he also trains as a runner and becomes a successful athlete. Through his passion for running and his newfound friends, he begins to mature, becoming more responsible and self-confident. The novel culminates in a race in Germany, where Ciril wins first place, honoring his father and finding his own path in life.^[1][2]

The novel explores the themes of coming of age, youthful rebellion, and the search for identity. It portrays the challenges faced by a troubled youth as he navigates a complex world and tries to overcome a difficult past.

Through Ciril's journey, the novel highlights the importance of finding a positive outlet, surrounding oneself with good influences, and taking responsibility for one's actions in order to find one's way in life.^[1][2]

• List of Slovenian novels