BCSA event – Gaudeamus – a Slovak novel by Richard – 13 February 2018 at the Slovak Embassy

Members of the public are cordially invited to attend the following event organised with the kind cooperation of the Embassy of the Slovak Republic:

GAUDEAMUS – a Slovak novel by Richard

This thriller/ love story reflects – and is critical – of the atmosphere and in particular people’s mindset first in normalized Czechoslovakia and then in post-1989 Slovakia.

Here is a couple of quotes:

“We hoped that in gratitude for the freedom we’d been given we ‘d all want to be kind and just. But so far, that’s not how it’s looking. Freedom has stirred the worst in us.”

“We used to joke that anyone who didn’t steal was robbing his family. We don’t make jokes like that any more. An A+ in thievery is the basic requirement for the successful businessman or politician. It won’t be long before we start consigning freaks who pay their taxes and never exceed the speed limit to the asylum.”

The author and the translator, David Short, will discuss the book, read out passages in Slovak and English and answer questions.

The English translation will be published by Jantar in May.

Tuesday 13 February 2018

6.30 p.m. – 8.30 (doors open at 6.15 p.m.)

Slovak Embassy, 25 Kensington Palace Gardens, London W8 4QY

(nearest underground station Notting Hill Gate)

Refreshments will be served

Admission £10.00, full time students £5.00 (annual  membership can be purchased if desired – more information on our website www.bcsa.co.uk), free for members of the BCSA. 

Booking is essential via Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gaudeamus-a-slovak-novel-by-richard-tickets-40072372545 or by email tobcsa@bcsa.co.uk