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Czech BooksMy Crazy Century: Ivan Klíma reflects on his journey to communism and back
When Ivan Klíma was a little boy, he knew he wanted to be a writer. Today,
he is one of the most respected figures of Czech literature. Ivan
Klíma’s life journey included years in a Nazi concentration camp,
membership in the communist party, and later a life on the fringe of the
society, after he was expelled from the party and joined
Czechoslovakia’s opposition movement. In his latest book, My Crazy
Century, Ivan Klíma
explains what happened that he found himself in the ranks of the communist
party, a totalitarian and criminal organization that ruled his country for
four decades. More
Current AffairsRow continues over Kaplicky's "Octopus" design for National Library
The row continues over plans to build a new home for Prague's National
Library. The priceless collection of books and manuscripts is set to move
from the baroque Klementinum building by Charles Bridge to a new location
on Prague's Letna plain. But the winning design - by Czech-born architect
Jan Kaplicky - is attracting no small measure of controversy.
More
Current Affairs46th Zlin children's film festival underway
The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival may attract the most glamour
and media attention but it is far from being the only film festival here
in the Czech Republic. Indeed, while this year's Karlovy Vary will be the
41st, the Zlin International Film Festival for Children and Youth - which
got underway on Sunday - is being held for the 46th time. Coilin O'Connor
is in the south Moravian town for the festival. He told me all about it.
More
Current AffairsBush compares fall of communism to democratic elections in Iraq and sends his regards to Vaclav Havel
On Thursday, the US President, George Bush, visited Bratislava to hold one
of the most anticipated meetings during his five-day trip to Europe. Mr
Bush met his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and with the backing of
his advisors and senior politicians back home and in Europe called on the
Russian president to reassert his commitment to democracy in Russia. Mr
Bush also met with Slovak politicians, addressed a crowd of several
thousand that had gathered on Hviezdoslav Square in Bratislava, and met
various other people, including former Czechoslovak dissidents.
More
Current AffairsSlovakia proudly hosts Bush-Putin summit, US President to meet Czech 'Freedom Fighters'
"You can imagine how happy and proud I am now because it will be the
first time that Slovakia hosts the US President and this is more than a
clear signal that Slovakia is an ally of the United States. I am sure that
this is a very strong message not only for the Slovak people but also for
all new democracies in the region." The Slovak Prime Minister Mikulas
Dzurinda, proudly representing the country chosen by US President George
Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin to host their landmark meeting.
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One on OneIvan Klima - no nostalgia for "Mythical Prague" of pre-1989
Rob Cameron's guest in this week's One on One is the writer Ivan Klima, one
of the most important cultural figures in the Czech Republic. Ivan Klima
was born in Prague in 1931, and during the war was sent to the Terezin
concentration camp - his father was Jewish, although he himself was raised
as a Protestant. He later became a successful author, but was labelled a
dissident by the Communist authorities and his writings were banned.
More
ArtsIvan Klima receives Franz Kafka prize
This week, has been a lucky week for
Czech writer Ivan Klima. Not only was he given a Medal for Outstanding
Service to the Czech Republic by Czech President Vaclav Havel, but he was
also chosen as the recipient of the Franz Kafka literary prize. The Franz
Kafka prize - the only international honour awarded in the Czech Republic
to outstanding contemporary writers from around the world was established
last year when it was given to U.S. author Philip Roth. This year, the
jury chose to honour the 71 year old Ivan Klima, who as a writer,
essayist, and columnist is one of the most widely translated contemporary
Czech authors. Pavla Horakova attended the award ceremony and
congratulated Mr Klima on his prizes:
More
