Are you
learning Czech and looking for a good read this summer? You're in luck! The
Czech literary world offers a wide range of voices, styles, and periods that
not only tell great stories but also help you improve your language. In this
post, we offer a carefully selected mix of classic and modern Czech books by
both male and female authors. Each book includes a short summary, why it is
worth reading, and what Czech language features learners should focus on.
Classic Period
1. Bozena Nemcova – Babicka (1855)
Plot & Topics: A nostalgic look at rural life through the eyes of a young girl and her wise grandmother. It’s a collection of memories and moral tales, blending folklore and personal experience. Why Read It: This novel remains one of the most beloved Czech books. It introduces readers to traditional Czech values, rural culture, and poetic descriptions. Czech Focus: Pay attention to descriptive language, past tenses, and idioms common in 19th-century Czech.
2. Karel Capek – Povídky z jedné kapsy (1929)
Plot & Topics: A series of short detective-like stories exploring everyday moral dilemmas and mysteries in a light, philosophical way. Why Read It: Capek's short stories are both accessible and thoughtful, often using simple language to explore deeper meanings. Czech Focus: Notice the conversational style, sentence structure, and vocabulary relevant to daily life.
Late 20th Century
3. Bohumil Hrabal – Postřižiny (1976)
Plot & Topics: A humorous, semi-autobiographical novel set in a small-town brewery, told from the perspective of the author’s mother. Why Read It: Hrabal’s unique narrative voice and vivid depictions of everyday life make this a joyful read. Czech Focus: Look out for long, flowing sentences and rich adjectives. The book offers great examples of colloquial speech and regional expressions.
4. Daniela Fischerová – Hodina mezi psem a vlkem (1982)
Plot & Topics: A psychological exploration of time, identity, and inner transformation. Why Read It: Fischerová is known for her poetic language and deep philosophical undertones. This novel is emotionally intense and richly symbolic. Czech Focus: Great for expanding vocabulary related to emotions, internal states, and metaphors.
Contemporary Period
5. Kateřina Tučková – Žítkovské bohyně (2012)
Plot & Topics: The novel uncovers the story of wise women (bohyně) from the White Carpathians who practiced folk healing and spiritual guidance, mixing mystery and ethnography. Why Read It: A modern classic with rich narrative and historical detail. Tučková explores womanhood, heritage, and myth. Czech Focus: Focus on descriptive narrative, complex sentence structures, and vocabulary related to nature, healing, and folk culture.
6. Petra Hůlová – Paměť mojí babičce (2002)
Plot & Topics: A multigenerational saga set in Mongolia, exploring the lives of women in one family. Why Read It: Hůlová’s prose is bold and character-driven. Though set abroad, it reveals much about Czech storytelling and structure. Czech Focus: Notice the use of voice and perspective. Great for practicing verbs in past tense and family-related vocabulary.
7. Michal Viewegh – Báječná léta pod psa (1992)
Plot & Topics: A humorous coming-of-age story of a Czech boy growing up during socialism, focusing on family life and adolescence. Why Read It: Viewegh’s writing is witty, light, and often autobiographical. He’s one of the most popular contemporary Czech authors. Czech Focus: Good for learning idiomatic expressions, humor in language, and storytelling flow.
8. Radka Třeštíková – Bábovky (2016)
Plot & Topics: Interconnected stories of women of different ages and backgrounds whose lives overlap in unexpected ways. Why Read It: A modern, relatable look at contemporary Czech society, relationships, and life’s turning points. Czech Focus: Excellent for practicing casual speech, modern vocabulary, and character-based dialogues.
9. Jiří Hájíček – Selský baroko (2005)
Plot & Topics: A contemporary novel digging into the past of Czech villages, land ownership, and forgotten secrets. Why Read It: Combines history and mystery with a deep understanding of Czech rural culture. Czech Focus: Learn vocabulary connected to countryside life, historical references, and property/legal terms.
Final Thoughts
Reading Czech books is a powerful way to deepen your understanding of the language and culture. Choose one or two titles from different periods, and enjoy observing how the language evolves. Keep a notebook for new words and expressions, and don’t hesitate to reread passages to appreciate the rhythm and structure.
Martin OLS Community Manager - Czech