Acknowledgments

Apparently, it is possible to fall in love with a writer you’ve never met. I’m honored to have had the privilege of falling in love with Bohumil Hrabal, with his words and music and images. If he were still alive, I’d tell him so, but instead, I’ve made us both a promise: to continue translating his books and advising everyone to read them. Fortunately, I have the support of Jill Schoolman, the most patient, sensitive, inspiring publisher a translator could wish for. Magda van Duijkeren-Hrabová and Kees Mercks helped me solve numerous linguistic dilemmas. Daniel Blower, Shaun Whiteside, Brian Doyle, John McCleod, Matt Simpson and Heidi Knecht-Seegers supplied me with invaluable terminology. Susan Massotty, friend and fellow translator, was there, as always. Harvey and Millie Knecht, my parents, who will finally be able to read this book, never stopped encouraging me to finish. My thanks to you all.


I dedicate this translation to Teun, Jan, Caspar, Esther, Julia, Zuzu (Wheaten terrier) and especially Jakob, our handsome Airedale, who died, far too young, the same day I handed in the final manuscript. I have a feeling that Hrabal, who loved animals, would have appreciated the irony of this, and I know for a fact that Jakob thoroughly enjoyed chewing on my copy of Harlekýnovy miliony, the one time I accidentally left it on the dining room table.

Stacey Knecht


Zwolle, 10/20/2013

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