Description:
The brothers Milan and Stefan Dubček migrate to the USA, where Stefan meets the blue-eyed Pavlina, whom he marries later on. Their son Alexander Dubček is born in 1921, after the newly-weds' return home to Slovakia. The Dubčeks are enthusiastic about the new socialist movement and long to help building the arising socialist society. They decide to move to one of the most neglected areas of the Soviet Union, where the little Sasha (Alexander) meets his future wife Anna. After some time, however, the Dubčeks lose their illusions and return home in search of happiness. Here, Alexander Dubček's story begins - he participates in the Slovak National Uprising against the Nazi occupation, assumes his political career, during which he attempts to establish a 'socialism with a human face', but fails due to the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia. The novel reflects his life till his tragic death in a car accident, which still remains un-resolved by authorities.
Brief description: Jozef Banas is one of the best-selling and most translated Slovak writers of the last decade. He is the winner of several national and international literary awards and his 32 books (15 in Slovakia, 17 abroad) have sold a total number of almost 320,000 copies. His work on Milan Rastislav Stefánik has been translated into several languages and 'Jubilation Zone' has been published in eleven countries. Dan Brown has described him as a seeker of truth, and the Dalai Lama blessed his efforts to bring people together.
Review Quotes:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This novel is a must-read for anybody interested in Czechoslovak history. And for anybody interested in the vividly told story of what shaped and drove one of the greatest heroes of the 20th century."
Professor Josette BaerUniversity of Zurich, Switzerland
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "In a little more than a decade, Banáš, a former journalist, manager, diplomat, and politician turned novelist, has become one of Slovakia's most popular writers. And for good reason, for he has a flare for relating a story with compelling and lively prose. Using extensive research and interviews, the author combines his talent for writing with a vivid portrait of his characters. In this historical novel, Jozef Banáš reintroduce us to one of Slovakia's most famous and important historical figures."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "It is important to remember that history does not consist of disconnected events associated with the names of disembodied people. History is an uninterrupted stream, and it is lived and led by real people with visions and feelings, with flaws but also often with real nobility. The story of Alexander Dubček is a great example of this truth. How appropriate to have it told in this vivid book by Jozef Banás, Stop Dubček."
Professor John PalkaUniversity of WashingtonGrandson of Czechoslovak Prime Minister Milan HodzaAuthor of 'My Slovakia, My Family'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Jozef Banas does a brilliant job bringing the story of one of the 20th century's most iconic personalities to life! In his classic rigorously researched style, he takes readers deep into the world of Czechoslovak communist experiment, including its ideals but of course also its shortfalls. Most painfully experienced with the 1968 Soviet-led invasion and the removal of the great and humane leader Alexander Dubcek. What happened after, is for you to discover in the gripping pages of this documentary novel."
Zuzana Palovic, PhD & Gabriela Bereghazyova, PhDFounder and Director of Global SlovakiaAuthors of 'Slovakia: The Legend of the Linden'; 'Czechoslovakia: Behind the Iron Curtain'; 'The Great Return'