Seminar:
We would like to invite you to another seminars of the Institute of Contemporary History of the Czech Academy of Sciences, which will take place on Wednesday 25 June 2025 at 16:00 in the study room of the Institute of Contemporary History (Vlašská 355/9).
Last year, Eli Beneš’s debut novel, was awarded the Magnesia litera Prize for Literature (Prague, Akropolis 2023). Its hero is a Jewish boy, Petr Stein, who survived the extermination camp and the death march and returns to his native Prague on the verge of physical and mental strength. It is May 1945, people are full of optimism and celebrate the end of the war. But this euphoria is not shared by Petr. He searches for his parents, brother, other relatives and acquaintances, and gradually discovers that he is alone. With his pain and distrust of the outside world. The post-war world is changing irrevocably and nothing will be the same. What he dreamed of in captivity will never be realised and what is left but lost illusions? The book is not only a gripping and engrossing story, but also works with historical fabric in an extremely successful way. Thus, the past does not serve as a mere backdrop or projection screen, but in an unexpectedly evocative way comes to life and absorbs the reader. The seminar, which this time will take the form of a round table, will seek answers to questions relating to the role of historical fiction, the synergy between historiography and beautiful literature, and how to work meaningfully with history outside the sphere of professional historiography.
The invitation was accepted by writer Eli Beneš, historian Jana Paseková Kasíková (Institute of History of the CAS) and historian Michal Frankl (MÚA AV ČR and GWZO Prague).
Please note that an audio recording of the seminar will be made and will be available on the Institute’s website and Spotify.