A collection of lesser-known writings by Arnošt Lustig, a Czech-Jewish author, will be published this year to commemorate his 100th birthday, bringing his early texts together for the first time.
Masaryk University Press is set to release a collection of early works by the Czech-Jewish author and journalist Arnošt Lustig, marking the 100th anniversary of his birth this December. This collection, titled "Three from Jerusalem," brings together previously lesser-known short stories, essays, and reports, allowing readers to discover Lustig's formative narratives in a single volume. The announcement was made by university spokesperson Radim Sajbot.
Born on December 21, 1926, and passing away on February 26, 2011, Lustig's life was marked by profound experiences during World War II, having survived Terezín, Auschwitz, and Buchenwald. His experiences as a Holocaust survivor profoundly influenced his writing, making the themes of war, Holocaust, and exile recurring motifs in his works, which garnered international recognition. The earliest texts in the upcoming collection date back to 1947 when Lustig was just 21 years old and serving as a correspondent for Czech newspapers during Israel's fight for independence.
The book also features essays and reports that reflect on the Holocaust and the experiences of exiles. To enhance the collection, Lustig's daughter, Eva Lustigová, has been invited to write a foreword that captures the transformation of Arnošt Lustig as a writer. This publication is particularly significant not only as a tribute to his centenary but also as an opportunity to revisit the important themes that shaped his literary legacy, making it a vital addition to Czech literature and Holocaust studies.
