Temná tvář české literatury

The most recent publication (2021) of Joanna Goszczyńska, Polish expert on Czech studies, is composed of individual studies tracing the work of selected Czech modernists of the first decades of the 20th century and the interwar period – Josef Čapek, Ladislav Klíma, Jakub Deml, Richard Weiner, and Vladislav Vančura. As the title of the book suggests, the author focuses on “the dark side of Czech literature,” responding to the subjective Polish stereotype which sees Czech literature as full of humour, depicting the ordinary life, and representing “the Little Czech” type (Hašek, Čapek, Poláček, and others). In this book, she is interested in different works – ones that delve deep into the human psyche. Exploring and interpreting books dealing with darkness in the soul, often hidden beneath the surface, the author discovers gaping abysses full of evil, madness, fear, and obsession, but also pathos and bravery. She describes the search for truth about the burden of human subjectivity and identity and analyses the connection of literature and cultural crises, turning points in politics, and tragic experiences from World War I. The publication provides an exceptional “external” perspective of a Czech studies expert. In addition, it allows for comparisons with the literary scene in Poland and Europe.