Ivan Olbracht

(1882-1952)



Czech communist writer who wrote for Social Democratic newspapers in Vienna and Prague in the years before the October revolution. In 1920 he spent six months in the Soviet Union, and on his return to Czechoslovakia joined the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia in 1921, the year of it's formation. He began contributing to The Red Right, the official newspaper of the CPC, and wrote many works of fiction as well. Was imprisoned in 1926 and 1928 for his communist positions. During WWII, fearing for his safety (his mother was Jewish), he retreated to the small town of Stříbrec, where he eventually became involved with the Communist resistance.


Novels
Nikola the Outlaw (1933): 213 pages


The Sorrowful Eyes of Hanna Karajich (1937): 193 pages. Deals with the traditions and closemindedness of certain communities and of religion in general, and how important it is to think for oneself. Also shows how much courage it takes to go against the traditions and religion of the family you are raised into, an often necessary step to join the fight against oppression and combat capitalism. A very interesting novel that deals with the question of marriage across religions, it exposes the bigotry of religious conservatives who are narrow minded and so obsessed with religion that they disdain basic humanity. Olbracht also expertly shows the progressive effect that working outside the home, especially in a communal setting, had and continues to have on women and their emancipation.


Short Stories
Julie and the Miracle (1937): 31 pages