Olga Fialová Boeken

Originally published: New York: William Morrow & Company, 1953.

With its humor and nostalgic charm, this classic, first published in 1910, remains enjoyable for contemporary readers. The short stories, known in Czech as "Literární poklesky," offer quick, delightful reads, making it an ideal gift even for those who aren't avid readers. The brilliant translation captures the essence of the original, ensuring that the wit and whimsy resonate across generations. Perfect for a light-hearted escape into the past!

Einer der neuesten Geschichten des bekannten amerikanischen Autors führt uns in das ländliche Anwesen des seltsamen alten Mannes Hendrik Mosaze, einem ehemaligen Goldschmied, der auf ungewöhnliche Weise mehrere Gäste eingeladen hat. Unter ihnen befindet sich auch die Pflegerin Jessie, deren Ehemann niemand anderes als der pensionierte Inspektor Queen ist. Warum verspricht der Alte gerade diesen Personen ein Millionenvermögen? Gibt es verborgene Blutsbande oder handelt es sich um einen Launen oder eine raffinierte Falle? Die Spannung steigt, als der Tod ins Spiel kommt. Das Leben im merkwürdigen Haus wird immer komplizierter, doch die Aussicht auf das beträchtliche Erbe vertreibt die Angst. Wo sind jedoch die Millionen des Alten? Inspektor Queen versucht, das Geflecht der Geheimnisse zu entwirren, doch wie oft wird er seine Meinung ändern müssen, bevor er erkennt, dass alles ganz anders abgelaufen ist… Wie? Das erfahren Sie erst am Ende, und Sie werden ebenso überrascht sein wie der Inspektor selbst.

Set against the backdrop of the wilderness, the story follows an Eastern lawyer as he vies for the affection of a beautiful yet dissatisfied city woman, who is married to a capable backwoodsman. The novel explores themes of masculinity and societal expectations in the 1920s, highlighting the tension between physical prowess and intellectualism. Critics have humorously noted the title's significance, unaware of the real-life adventure that inspired it, adding an intriguing layer to the narrative's exploration of gender roles.

Oliver Watson's life unravels when his wife Sarah returns to Harvard for her master's degree, leaving him alone with their three children and an unfamiliar freedom. As he navigates the overwhelming demands of parenting, tragedy strikes when his mother is diagnosed with Alzheimer's and passes away, altering his father's life as well. At seventy-two, George Watson embraces new relationships and a fresh start, contrasting with Oliver's struggle to adapt. His oldest son, Ben, distances himself, believing he can thrive independently, while Melissa, the middle child, blames Oliver for their mother's departure. Sam, the youngest, is too shaken to process the upheaval. Now the sole parent, Oliver must manage his troubled family while exploring new responsibilities and experiences. Each man faces a significant life change: Oliver relocates from New York to Los Angeles with his children, George finds companionship with a neighbor, and seventeen-year-old Ben navigates fatherhood with his girlfriend. Everything has changed, and their previous expectations have been shattered. Ultimately, they discover that embracing the unknown leads to growth and fulfillment, revealing that different can be better for each of them, especially for Oliver.

Povídky anglické spisovatelky – kompletní ze sbírky Five Short Novels (1953) a po jedné ze The Habit of Loving (1957) – svou uměleckou hloubkou a jednotou formy a obsahu sugestivně odhalují kolonialismus a rasovou diskriminaci v jižní a střední Africe.

Satirické povídky o snobech a zbohatlících žijících na luxusní Plutoriánské třídě v jednom menším americkém městě.