From supernatural to satirical to sensational, these books’ themes vary, but they all have something in common: every author was held captive by Czech Republic’s charm.
1. Magic Prague by Angelo Mario Ripellino
Magic Prague shines a light on the beauty, gloom and mystery that enshrouds the city on the Vltava. Angelo Mario Ripellino blends fact and fiction to create a vision of Prague that isn’t easily forgotten.2. The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera
This classic story takes place in the Prague Spring period of Czechoslovak history (1968). It explores the artistic and intellectual life that flourished at the time through the lives of four diverse characters and a dog.3. The Prague Orgy by Philip Roth
An American novelist travels to Soviet-occupied Prague in the 1970s in search of a forgotten manuscript written by a martyred Yiddish writer. Trying to maneuver through a communist country, Nathan Zuckerman learns much more than he was prepared for.4. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon
Fast forward a bit and you’ll find yourself in a comic book world with author Michael Chabon. After smuggling himself out of Nazi-invaded Prague, Joe Kavalier finds himself in Brooklyn, New York, where he teams up with his cousin Sammy Clay to create a comic book.5. The Trial by Franz Kafka
One of Czech Republic’s greatest features is its tendency to inspire chilling and exciting tales of mystery and intrigue. Franz Kafka was entranced by Prague’s mysterious side and was inspired to write the popular novel: The Trial. After a bank officer is accused of committing a crime that is never revealed to him, he tries to defend himself against a higher authority and an impossible situation. Resonating with readers as a chilling totalitarian truth, The Trial has captivated audiences for decades.6. The Golem by Gustav Meyrink
Hidden in a ghetto in Prague in a room without a door, a monster appears every 33 years. The Golem introduces readers to shadows lurking behind the supposedly safe bourgeoisie community.7. The Good Soldier Švejk by Jaroslav Hašek
If you are interested in Czech history and visiting its sculptures and museums, this is the book for you. A dark satirical comedy of a single soldier’s life in World War I, The Good Soldier Švejk plays on the corruption, hypocrisy and idiocy that flourished.8. The Secret Miracle by Jorge Luis Borges
A playwright named Jaromir Hladík is arrested in Nazi-occupied Prague for being Jewish and opposing the Anschluss. Moments before he is executed, a miracle happens.9. Gottland by Mariusz Szczygiel
One of Europe’s favorite investigative journalists travels to the Czech Republic to unravel the mysteries of the country. Filled with stories of locals who have made names for themselves, Gottland is the perfect companion for your flight to Prague.10. The Prague Cemetery by Umberto Eco
If you like stories packed with drama and adventure, The Prague Cemetery will take you for a ride. Turmoil has settled itself across Europe. Follow Simone Simonini, a most disagreeable character, as he cheats his way through the world, starting chain reactions that would alter history forever.
