Genre: Sci-fi
Author: Jaroslav Kalfař
Year published: 2017
TWs: Death
Rating: 4/5
Sci-fi seems to be a genre where we hear mostly from the same few countries, so when I found a sci-fi novel for this country, I was super excited. A space adventure by a Czech author? I was all in, and let me tell you, this book took me on quite the journey.
“Existence runs on energy, a fluid movement forward, yet we never stop seeking the point of origin, the Big Bang that set us upon our inevitable course.”
Synopsis (spoiler-free, always)
Spaceman of Bohemia is about Jakub Procházka, the first Czech astronaut, sent on a solo mission to explore a strange cloud near Venus. Jakub’s only companion on this journey is Hanuš, an alien spider who could be real or just a figment of his lonely mind. As he floats through space, Jakub has to face not only the vast emptiness around him but also the emotional baggage he’s been running from—especially his relationship with his wife, Lenka, and the shadow of his father’s past.
“What good am I, a thin purse of brittle bones and spoiling meat?”
My Thoughts
This book really took me by surprise. I went in expecting a space thriller but found a much more introspective and emotional story. Jakub is such a relatable character—his flaws and insecurities make him feel real, and you can’t help but root for him, even when he’s making questionable decisions. The way Kalfař weaves in Jakub’s memories of his marriage and his father’s history adds a lot of emotional weight to the story. It’s not just about a man in space—it’s about a man trying to figure out who he really is.
And then there’s Hanuš, the alien spider. I know, it sounds a little weird, but the conversations between Jakub and Hanuš are some of the most memorable parts of the book. Whether Hanuš is real or not doesn’t even matter—what’s important is how he forces Jakub to confront his loneliness and guilt. There’s even some humour in their exchanges, which helps lighten the more intense parts of the story.
One thing to keep in mind is that the writing style can get a bit dense at times. Kalfař’s writing can be a little heavy, especially during the more philosophical moments. And while the first half of the book moves quickly, the second half slows down as Jakub spends more time reflecting than exploring. But honestly, one of my favourite parts about this novel was the descriptive writing. For example, there’s this one line that really stuck with me:
“The Earth was black and golden, its lights spreading across the continents like never-ceasing pebbles of mitosis, pausing abruptly to give reign to the uncontested dominion of dark oceans.”
It was just so vivid and poetic that even though it was in the very start of the book, I still can’t forget it. So, for any sci-fi fans or someone looking to have a fun and interesting read, I would give this book a try!
Happy Reading!
About the Author
Jaroslav Kalfař was born during a revolution in Prague, Czech Republic, and began writing short stories at the age of five. At fifteen, he immigrated to the United States to pursue his passion for writing in English. He studied writing and literature at New York University, where he wrote the early draft of ‘Spaceman of Bohemia’.
Some other works by him include:
- A Brief History of Living Forever
- Surfing on a Banana Peel
Find more on his Goodreads page!
You may also like
