Bohumil Hrabal

Bohumil Hrabal was a Czech writer, often considered one of the greatest Czech writers of the 20th century. His works are known for their dark humor, unconventional narrative style, and vivid portrayal of ordinary life in Czechoslovakia.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Closely Watched Trains

    "Closely Watched Trains" is a darkly humorous tale set in Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia during World War II. It follows the life of a young, inexperienced railway worker who is struggling with his sexual awakening while dealing with the harsh realities of war. The novel is a poignant exploration of the absurdity of life, the tragicomedy of human existence, and the power of ordinary people to resist oppression.

    The 1881st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. I Served The King Of England

    "I Served The King Of England" is a captivating novel that follows the life of a young Czech waiter named Ditie, who dreams of becoming a millionaire and serving the highest-ranking clientele. Set against the backdrop of World War II and the Communist regime, the story takes readers on a journey through Ditie's experiences in various hotels and restaurants, his encounters with eccentric characters, and his pursuit of love and success. With humor, wit, and a touch of satire, the book explores themes of ambition, identity, and the impact of historical events on an individual's life.

    The 1952nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Too Loud A Solitude

    The narrative centers around an elderly man who has spent his life compacting paper and books into bales in a decrepit cellar, using a hydraulic press. Despite the menial nature of his job, he has cultivated a deep love and profound knowledge for literature, philosophy, and art from the books that pass through his hands, many of which he rescues from destruction. The story is a poignant exploration of the power and resilience of the human spirit in the face of a dehumanizing, totalitarian regime, and a meditation on the enduring value of art and the written word. The protagonist's intellectual journey and his resistance to the oppressive forces around him serve as a metaphor for the survival of culture and individuality under oppressive conditions.

    The 2641st Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Cutting It Short

    The Story of a Woman's Hair

    Set in a small Czech town during the 1920s, the narrative follows the life of a vivacious and free-spirited young woman married to the town's brewery manager. Her playful and unconventional behavior often leads to humorous and sometimes scandalous situations, as she navigates through the social norms and expectations of the time. The story captures the charm and eccentricities of rural life through a series of anecdotes, reflecting on the themes of freedom, tradition, and the joy of the everyday. The protagonist's zest for life and her interactions with the colorful cast of characters create a whimsical and endearing portrait of a community on the brink of modernization.

    The 3033rd Greatest Book of All Time