Přítelkyně se zvláštními výhodami – Synek Karel (2010)

The term 'friends with benefits' describes a relationship between individuals of the opposite sex who do not want their relationship to evolve into love. It is not about cynically providing freedom in a partnership, nor is it about unrestrained promiscuity, but rather an effort to ensure that their relationship is not tossed about in the storm of ecstasy from infatuation to arguments and breakups. They want to avoid having sex, jealousy, or futile attempts to make that feeling of bliss last forever spoil it. Masako loves Gino with the love of a Japanese woman who respects authority and rules, and she asks him to accept their relationship as a higher form of friendship. After his experiences with other women, Gino realizes what he feels for Masako and stands by her side even in sickness. Masako loses her memories and part of her consciousness, and Gino becomes aware of the fragility of the boundary on which the human ego stands, as well as the transience of values and life itself. He is convinced that life's sufferings never play a significant role compared to joys, and he rejects the first truth of Buddha that life is suffering. In rich plot twists, where European and Oriental values and cultures are confronted, Gino grapples with the tragic death of his mother, the disappearance of his father, and the creation of his own identity. The illustrations for the book were created by the author himself.