Soviet invasion 21 August 1968, the Soviet Bloc armies invaded Czechoslovakia. Thirty years later, I talked about it with my son Adam. He was 11 then. “So, what did the Czech army do? Did many people die?” “No, Adam, there was no fighting. The radio was asking everybody to keep calm. People were demonstrating, shouting in Russian at the soldiers on tanks to go home. … Continue reading Why I will never forget 21st August 1968
It is exactly one month before my novel’ official publishing day. 28th September. The book is already available in paperback, the e-book doesn’t come for another month. Some of my friends and family already have my paperbacks from the author’s copies I received. I am nervous. Suddenly I have a crazy idea that it might be a good book. Will other people think so? This … Continue reading When you read my book after 28th September, if you like it could you review it? Please?
1918-1945 Czechoslovakia became independent after the breakup of the Austro-Hungarian empire in 1918 when the WW1 finished. It used to be an independent kingdom of Bohemia but despite still keeping the name, it was ruled by the Austrians since 1620. Czechoslovakia after 1918 was a prosperous democratic republic. Prague had a long history of Jewish inhabitants, and the Old New Synagogue in Prague , built … Continue reading A simple summary of the historical background of my novel.
I go on beach holiday by myself. When I used to go with friends, they were complaining that I don’t talk to them. Normally, I never shut up, but in this instant they were right. On the beach or by the pool, I read, swim, sometimes listen to audiobooks. No talking. I used to talk to friends at dinner, that was nice. But now I … Continue reading Being antisocial in Marbella
The date my book will be published by Book Guild publishers is 28th September, it is a holiday in Czechia, the Czech Statehood Day. copyright ©jorisvo/123RF.COM It is the anniversary of the assassination of king Vaclav- the Good king Wenceslas from the English Christmas carol. He was sainted and is the patron of Czech lands. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wenceslaus_I,_Duke_of_Bohemia I don’t quite understand why the anniversary of his … Continue reading What has my book Why didn’t they leave? has in common with Good King Wenceslas carol?
My publisher is starting the media marketing campaign. It is only in the UK, but the book will soon be available in other countries too. I had my picture taken for the publisher, and when I talked to the men in the photo shop, and when I told them what the book is about, we realised we were all refugees. One from Eritrea, one from, … Continue reading Thinking about immigration
This is the worst day ever- Magda can’t go to school anymore This is the worst day ever, Magda Stein sobbed as she walked home. She walked past the renaissance palaces of Mala Strana, and across the bridge over the River Vltava. Normally she would look at the beautiful view of the Prague castle from the bridge. Today, she didn’t notice where she was going. It started raining, … Continue reading Now the book is slowly possible to pre-order, here is a taster – the first chapter. Hopefully you will want to read the rest.
I had to do the proofreading on my typeset book. One of my American friends, a writer, read the book for me, too, she said “ I want to read it anyway so might as well help with the proofreading. ” Very kind. That is where I realised that grammatically, there are more differences between British and American English than I thought! Fascinating. She also … Continue reading Only slightly more than 2 months till the book comes out!
I read this article https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/may/28/number-of-eu-citizens-refused-entry-to-uk-soars-despite-covid-crisis?utm_term=8e419d2f10ab0b9b3dd8189472363797&utm_campaign=MorningBriefingUK&utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&CMP=morningbriefinguk_email Unfortunately, it reminded me of my relative, cousin of my grandfather, an esteemed Jewish musicology University professor from Prague who was refused entry to Britain twice in 1939. He was travelling with his family. He returned to Czechoslovakia, and after correspondence, got authorisation for a settlement visa in the UK. They travelled back and were again refused by the border … Continue reading I am not happy about the UK attitude to arrivals from abroad.
I just read an article. https://www.heyalma.com/there-are-still-people-who-want-jews-dead/?utm_source=alma_marapost&utm_campaign=alma&utm_medium=email&mpweb=1161-30494-580662&fbclid=IwAR0zGN10T9Hm5cHfklwbZ4b2p_OIk9SC2jX00UoO3HEWYg5Naghxruf4RzE I don’t have this experience, but I understand, and it feels bad. It should not be about Israeli/Palestinian situation. not all Jewish people feel Israel is their country. I don’t. In fact, when people presume that being Jewish, I must be pro-Israeli politics, it annoys me, and I take it as a sign of their antisemitism.: I am completely … Continue reading I am a Jewish Czech rather than a Czech Jew . I am interested in Israeli/Palestinian politics and wish them all a better, peaceful life but Israel is not my country.
Eva Hnizdo 