Books about Prague to get me in the mood?
 

Hi, my wife and I will be visiting Prague for a few days in July. I wonder if there are any books, novels or nonfiction stories that can get us in the mood for a trip to this wonderful city? Thanks in advance.

The Trial, by Kafka? Well, that might get you out of the mood.

Milan Kundera is probably one of the best-known Czech writers. His book, The Unbearable Lightness of Being was made into a movie (starring Daniel Day Lewis) in the mid-1980s. I also like the books of Josef Skvorecky. Some of his books are about Czechs outside the Czech Republic (e.g. The Engineer of Human Souls, Dvorak in Love), but are still worth reading. His memoirs, called When Eve Was Naked, look like quite interesting.

You might also get some good ideas from the entry in Wikipedia for "Czech literature".

I also just noticed, as I was searching for Prague guidebooks (we're planning a trip, too) that the "Travellers' Tales" series has a book on Prague and the Czech Republic. Travellers' Tales are anthologies, in this case of non-fiction, and are great for getting a taste of a country you'll be visiting.

Yeah Kafka lived his whole life in Prague so you can read him. I got a book called "Prague A Traveler's Literary Companion" Most of the stories are kinda old but there's a couple good ones. Is it the greatest collection of stories ever? No not really but it's worth a shot. Also if you really like Kafka there's a museum about him in Prague too.

Terrence

How about The Amazing Adventures of Cavalier and Clay? A lot of it takes place in Prague and besides, it's a really good book.

There is many books about Prague .. or you can visit www.prague-guide.co.uk

Thank you for all your suggestions. I was busy and unable to check in for a few days. Will write back with a trip report after my trip. Regards and thanks to everyone.

I am reading Twelve Little Cakes and enjoying it very much; it's a memoir...the author was born in Prague in the mid-70s to parents who were out of favor with the Communists. Someone mentioned another similar book, perhaps something along the lines of The Year of Splendor???? I can't find any similar title set in Prague. Can anyone help?