Our speaker, Zenny Sadlon, has a new translation of a book "Good Soldier Svejk." Americans are not as familiar with this story, but it is a very well known and popular story in Europe. Apparently, the previous translations did not do the story justice, but this translation of volume one captures the true character Svejk.
A Czech author who wrote for a paper in Prague at the turn of the century invented the character. The author was drafted to fight in WWI, won the Silver Star, fought with the Russians and became a Commissar in the Red Army. He wrote three volumes devoted to Svejk before he died in 1923 at age 39. As are many great books, this book was suppressed and even banned by the army in 1925.
The character Josef Svejk is a veteran of the army and served in WWI. This soldier lives "by his wits." He carries out his orders to absurd conclusions and to some he is considered "witless." But by doing this, in the end he manages to "Outwit his superiors and the army." The character is satirical, both funny and serious. The continuation of its popularity shows that it strikes a cord and it speaks to people of all ages, in all times.
The author, terms this a "must read" if you want to understand the Czech people. The story has been translated into 50 languages, has been performed on the stage and, according to the author, should be on the list of the 100 best books of the 20th century. After the meeting, copies of the book were available for $15.00 from Mr. Sadlon who took the time to sign each book.
Finally, at that meeting, Gary Witt, Township Supervisor of Riverside officiated at the installation of our new slate of officers.
Reported by Chris Visconti