Hana Morntajnov Alena (2018)

Suffering tests the authenticity of human life, yet suffering inflicted on others can destroy it. But what if a person is not guilty, and everything is merely a coincidence, with human beings helpless instruments of fate? In the winter of 1954, nine-year-old Mira disobeys her parents and goes to the river to ride on ice floes. She falls into the water, exposing her disobedience, and is punished by being denied a pastry at a family celebration. This innocent childhood incident becomes a decisive turning point in Miras life. A tragedy follows, binding her for many years to her silent, depressed aunt Hana and revealing a troubled family history that continues to flow through Miras life like an ice floe. Based on true events, Alena Morntajnovs Czech-language novel unfolds at a gripping pace and with a strong sense of drama, giving the reader the impression of watching a thrilling film. Only one question remains: will the ice floe of fate eventually melt?