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Lectures/Discussions

Collectivization – Restitution – Literature | Discussion

16.01.2013
American Center, Tržiště 13, Prague 1
Fee: Free (please register by clicking on Sign Up above the picture)

About the Event

Simultaneous interpretation into Czech and English.

One of the most important works of Czech literature in recent years, Mr. Hájíček’s novel has just been released in English by Real World Press. Set in South Bohemia about a decade after the Velvet Revolution, Rustic Baroque recalls the tumult in the countryside during the 1950s collectivization of agriculture, sheds light upon the torn social fabric in the decades to follow, and characterizes how Czech people of all generations struggle to come to grips with the unresolved remnants of their past since totalitarian communists were driven from power in 1989. The story combines drama and mystery with history, architecture and a little romance against a background that is the natural beauty of South Bohemia. Rustic Baroque was awarded the Magnesia Litera prize as the best Czech novel for 2005.

The panelists will address the book and its themes from different angles, providing unique insight for those interested in the process of writing historical fiction, literary translation, and 20th century Czech history. The event is free and open to the public, with simultaneous interpretation in Czech and English. Refreshments will be served following the presentation, and members of the audience will be encouraged to participate with their questions and comments. The American Center is located at Tržiště 13 (first floor) in Prague’s Malá Strana quarter, just 50 meters down the street from the U.S. Embassy.

In his review of the newly released book for The Prague Post, Nick Hudáč recently wrote that, “Kirking’s translation reads crisply and cleanly… Hájíček’s prose itself (both in translation and in the original) is sparse and elegantly simple… (T)he story crackles with nervous energy, highlighted by Hájíček’s hauntingly unadorned words and keen ear for dialogue.”

Rustic Baroque is distributed by a number of retailers in the Czech Republic, both in-store and online. The book is available worldwide via Amazon in paperback and Kindle versions. Excerpts from the novel are available at Amazon and www.realworldpress.cz

For more information about the American Center event, the unique story behind the translation and publishing of this acclaimed work, or where to buy Rustic Baroque, please contact:

Megan Ouellette, Associate Editor
English Editorial Services, s.r.o.
Tel: +420 545 212 872
megan@englisheditorialservices.com


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