Hana – Mornštajnová Alena (2017)

The third novel by the successful Czech author. If there is anything that tests the authenticity of human life, it is suffering. And if there is anything that devalues life, it is the suffering that one inflicts on others. But what if one is still innocent? What if it is all just a coincidence and one is merely a powerless tool of fate? It is the winter of 1954, and nine-year-old Mira, against her parents' orders, sets out to the river to skate on the ice floes. She falls into the water, revealing her disobedience, and is punished by not receiving dessert at the family celebration. However, this innocent childhood incident marks a significant turning point in Mira's life. A tragedy follows, which binds her for many years to her mute and depressive aunt Hana and uncovers a troubled family history that will continue to drift with the current of her life like an ice floe. The story, based on true events, is described by Alena Mornštajnová at a gripping pace and with a sense of drama, leaving the reader with the feeling of watching a thrilling film. The only question remains whether the ice floe of fate will eventually melt away...