Karlovy Vary Goodbye

In 1938, the Dusek family leaves their Czech spa town of Karlovy Vary for England, just two weeks before the start of World War Two. In 2019, Jan returns to Karlovy for the first time in 80 years, during an International Film Festival. He reflects on how much the world has changed and wonders if the power of love can be a strengthening shield against future challenges of immigration, settlement, and belonging.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 28 January 2022
Publisher: The Book Guild Ltd

In the picturesque Czech spa town of Karlovy Vary, the summer of 1938 brings a sense of stability and promise to the Dusek family, including their six-year-old son Jan. However, as the world around them begins to shift, an impending invasion and the looming threat of war cast a shadow over their tranquil existence. Determined to face an uncertain future, Jan's parents make the courageous decision to leave everything behind and embark on a daring journey across Europe. For Jan, this adventure becomes a thrilling escapade rather than a source of danger.

Just two weeks before the outbreak of World War Two, the family finds solace in England, eager to start a new life free from the past. However, the echoes of the past refuse to fade away, and Jan returns to Karlovy Vary in the summer of 2019, eighty years after his departure. As he walks the streets of the town, he is struck by the profound changes that have taken place. The International Film Festival, a celebration of culture and creativity, fills the air with vibrant energy.

Yet, amidst the modernity, Jan also discovers remnants of the past that continue to shape the world. Immigration, settlement, and the quest for belonging remain timeless challenges that have plagued societies throughout history. As he reflects on his own journey, Jan questions the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love as a means of overcoming adversity.

In this poignant exploration of identity, displacement, and the search for a sense of home, Jan returns to Karlovy Vary not only to reconnect with his roots but also to confront the enduring challenges of immigration, settlement, and belonging. Through his journey, he discovers that the power of love can be a powerful shield against the storms of change, offering hope and connection in a world that is constantly evolving.

Weight: 254g
Dimension: 198 x 128 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914471025