This book review was written by Eugene Kernes
Is This An Overview?
Although the Russian communist party
was initially favorable to Czechoslovakia, they quickly had become no better
than those who they overthrew. People
who share a disagreement with the Russian communist party, are removed from
memory. Removed even from
photographs. No matter their previous
association with the party, or their rank.
People who denounce others survive, with those of higher rank more
likely to be denounced. While those who
can think are denounced, those who cannot think are not promoted.
As the state can
declare any word, any idea, an attack on state security, Mirek decided to put
away potentially compromising papers in a safe place. Mirek was an intellectual who was critical on
political ideas but was protected by the state for being useful. When the Russians arrived, Mirek did not
renounce held convictions, which resulted in a loss of status. Before moving the papers, Mirek wanted to
talk to someone from Mirek’s past. After
a long wait, was able to get in touch with the person. Will Mirek be able to talk to the one Mirek had
been thinking about? What will happen to
the papers?
