Dutina – Helcl Zdeněk (2020)

The thrilling, almost detective-like plot revolves around the hero of the novel, Hynek Hora, and his life events, including love in a complicated marriage. The story is accompanied by humor, which, however, does not detract from the dramatic nature of the situations. A secret compartment in the hollow of a bust, drama over a coffin, marital infidelity ending in tragedy, love for a colleague with polio, or a New Year's Eve fashion show among grenades are situations that are not only entertaining but also depict the absurdity of the times in an appealing way. The fate of thirty-one-year-old Hynek is set in the early seventies of the last century, when, after the failed 'Prague Spring', the screws were tightened on social conditions. Hynek Hora works in the closely monitored arms industry and is responsible for the export of artillery ammunition. It is literally an explosive position, also dependent on who, where, and with whom is currently at war. The existential threat from the People's Control Committee forces Hynek to leave his job in arms export and accept a position as an inspector. The bizarre regime leads him into dramas not only within the office but especially in the controlled field. Among other things, he faces the mafia practices of butchers, as well as meat thefts organized by gangs in meat processing plants – in Klatovy, risking his life. The situations are...