3x Egon Bondy by Egon Bondy

3x Egon Bondy Reviews

• 
  Jan Lodl

  Tři nejlepší Bondyho prozaické věci. Minimálně Šaman a Mníšek za přečtení rozhodně stojí. Ale ne každému bude jeho styl sedět, to je rozhodně pravda.
• 
  Krocht Ehlundovič

  Surprise. When I started reading this book I had had no idea what to expect; I had heard about E. Bondy´s work (theoretically), mostly about his poetry and philosophy - but nothing in detail. The book has become my entry to his thoughts and writings... and I am very glad and, surprised.
  
  The book is divided into three parts, the first is about a shaman (and his tribe) living in the "Magdalene" period - the era just before the agricultural revolution (9 000 BC). Story describes his life and problems. It is a nice reflection of Czechoslovakian situation in 70s.; he even uses typical words and terms of that era, which makes it a parody/irony (it is a tragicomedy as the period used to be) of these times. So, while reading, you will be laughing and if not, smiling at least. I loved it - old clever primaeval man experiencing harshness of totalitarian regime and its secrete police.
  
  The second story: A small monk, is as good as the first one, but shorter. This one describes more a "way" to change - however on the background of 9th century Europe! An intellectual wandering through desolate Europe (torn by barbarians and other wild peoples and lords), who seeks a simple and basic meaning of (his) existence. Monks - intellectuals, believed in and protected the culture for Europe during the dark ages, like nobody else.
  
  The third one: A new era, is about the new Jewish messiah who finally converted into Islam. It is more about the fatal end - nothing is changing (maybe?). The story happened in 17th century. Jews moved to Jerusalem for they believe that the new era is coming with their messiah. They move there from every part of Europe (dying, suffering, enjoying, dreaming), with dreams and visions of new lives - without problems, violence, tragedy and unfairness. Quite the contrary is true.
  
  I guess that all three stories are symbolic expressions of socialism in Czechoslovakia. If you take it into account, the stories then open new aspects and perspectives.