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Spaceman of Bohemia by Jaroslav Kalfar
When asked “What exactly is it then?” after objecting to the classification of Spaceman of Bohemia as speculative fiction, Kalfar said, “Spaceman of Bohemia demonstrates numerous qualities, but also a typical flaw of literary debuts.” This story’s ambition, scope, and originality are truly extraordinary and deserve a lot of praise. Kalfar is an inimitable wordsmith and his descriptions of people and locations at times evoke beauty, timelessness and wonder, while at others an engaging yet sardonic irreverence.
Many understated yet profoundly touching moments result from his apparent affection for and interest in his characters. This novel’s settings, the cities and tumultuous history of the region that was for a time named Czechoslovakia, are very much characters in their own right also.
The bridge would be a chilly, chilling reminder of Gothic excess if not for the painters, pickpockets, and couples out for a stroll. But here we are—winos, leather-clad European tourists, and Prague lovers eager for a Sunday beer buzz and a stroll along the water—giving the bridge the levity and tenderness it needs. In exchange, the bridge gives us the impression that our past predates the day we opened a bank account.
However, Spaceman of Bohemia’s flaw may be that it sometimes invests too much thought—and, dare I say it, too much of a good thing. By the conclusion, this work felt a little bogged down by existential philosophy and literary excess after having quick and funny beginnings. It’s telling that after reading this book on my e-reader, I was shocked to see that the hardback edition only has 288 pages.
There is no doubt that Jaroslav Kalfar has fascinating tales to tell and the exceptional talents necessary to do so; Spaceman of Bohemia serves as an impressive sampler and, I hope, a sign of what we can expect from this author in the future.
About The Book
Jakub Procházka was reared by his devoted grandparents in the Czech countryside after being abandoned as a young boy and working as a small-time scientist before becoming the nation’s first astronaut. He bravely steps into the broad unknown when a perilous solo trip to Venus offers him the chance at heroism he’s always wanted, as well as a way to atone for his father’s sins as a Communist informant. However, in doing so, he abandons his faithful wife Lenka, whose love he has sacrificed on the altar of his aspirations, something he only understands too late.
Jakub, who is alone in deep space, finds a perhaps fictional big alien spider that he befriends. The two develop a strong and emotional bond via philosophical discussions about the nature of love, life and death, and how good bacon is. Will it be sufficient to get Jakub through a fight with covert Russian foes and get him back to Earth in one piece for another opportunity with Lenka?
Spaceman of Bohemia is a friendly, exciting, and surprising story that is a joy to see from beginning to end. Rarely has a book this profound put readers on such an endlessly entertaining and pure learning experience.
The Review
Spaceman of Bohemia
10 Score
A nice debut novel from a Czech author about a Bohemian spaceman who goes to the stars. I thought Kaflar pulled off the narrative structure quite well, weaving the present mission with glimpses from the protagonist's past as well as Bohemia's troubled past. Anyone who has read Kundera's The Joke or is wise to contemporary Czech history will have an understanding of the political background that sets the stage for the novel. If not, Kalfar does a nice overview of the history as well as describing the magic of Prague.
PROS
- A Sweet Mishmash.
- Very Enjoyable And Enlightening.
- Poetic, Humanistic And Funny.
- Super Interesting Writing.
CONS
- Slow Story.
- Very Predictable.
- Lack Of Plot.
- Dull And Boring.
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