The Czech Books You Must Read

War with the Newts: Karel Čapek’s prescient, dystopian magnum opus

The Czech Books You Must Read

'Válka s Mloky', foto: repro Karel Čapek, 'Válka s mloky' / Československý spisovatel, 1986

Radio Prague Int.

Karel Čapek’s last major novel, War with the Newts, is considered a satirical dystopian masterpiece, both prescient and timeless, uniquely Czech and yet universal. Like much of his work, the book can be read on many levels while its structure transcends standard genres. On the surface, it’s a work of science fiction about how a species of giant, intelligent newts – docile by nature – are ruthlessly exploited, and finally turn on their human oppressors. Along the way, Čapek gently pillories science and journalism (two of his principal preoccupations), robber baron capitalism, fascism, and even Hollywood. And yet, despite the all-pervasive humour, his core message was deadly serious one.
Brian Kenety

1. dubna 2020, 18:02