Kees Mercks Libri

The narrative follows Hrabal as he receives the advance copy of his debut short story collection, marking the beginning of his literary career. It explores his ascent in the Czech literary scene, highlighting his connections with prominent artists and writers, while also showcasing the international acclaim he achieves with works like Closely Watched Trains. The story delves into themes of creativity, recognition, and the cultural landscape of Czechoslovakia during his rise as a writer.

Niedoparki to domowe stworki żywiące się Twoimi skarpetkami. Zawsze biorą tylko po jednej sztuce, zostawiając Ci drugą, nie do pary - stąd ich nazwa. Na świecie jest ich mniej więcej tyle samo co ludzi. Mieszkają w każdym domu. Twoim także. Twierdzisz, że nie? Czyli chcesz nam wmówić, że nigdy w życiu nie zginęła Ci ani jedna skarpetka?

The narrator of Ivan Klima's novel has temporarily abandoned his work-in-progress -an essay on Kafka -and exchanged his writer's pen for the orange vest of a Prague road-sweeper. As he works, he meditates on Czechoslovakia, on Kafka, on life, on art and, obsessively, on his passionate and adulterous love affair with the sculptress Daria. Gradually he admits the impossibility of being at once an honest writer and an honest lover, and with that agonizing discovery comes a moment of choice.

Ironisch levensverhaal van een journalist die na te zijn opgegroeid in een Moravisch dorp later moeilijkheden krijgt met de communistische autoriteiten in Tsjechoslowakije.