The autobiographical hero of Martin Ryšavy's new book (author of such novels as Journeys to Siberia, The Dragon and The Golden Vision) embarks on an adventurous and difficult journey to the hitherto unexplored reaches of human existence. The journey becomes an opportunity for him to recapitulate the rich life experiences of a world traveler, writer and film documentary filmmaker. On the horizon of his pilgrimage, novel observations and narratives are intertwined with reflections on the meaning of dreamed, achieved and unfulfilled life goals. The unbounded Siberian and Arctic wastes are thus transformed into a symbolic trajectory of human destiny for the protagonist. The need to reflect and share through narrative what is essential from the events experienced and evoked by memories, which Martin Ryšavý admits to in the pages of his prose, is inherent in the heroes of all his books. Tundra and Death stands out among them, however, for the focus of the author's meditation on the meaning of this need to tell the testimony of human life as a fateful story.
Czech edition