Karnyfel

As part of an effort to map the fantasy works of forgotten Czech authors from the first half of the 20th century, we are bringing fans of dark literary curiosities a selection of short stories by Amálie Vrbová (1863–1936), writing under the pseudonym Jiří Sumín.

From the turn of the 20th century, the author wrote predominantly in a realistic, even naturalistic, spirit about life in the Moravian countryside, the disintegration of traditional relationships, and people suffering from poverty, loneliness, or the pressure of contemporary conventions. These are ballad-like stories full of gloomy moods and subtle irony. Her stories often take place at night, in fields, forests, and remote places, and are frequently populated by superstitious, picturesque characters who, deep down, still believe in witches and demons and know all about the power of “herbs” that can cure all ailments.

Amálie Vrbová is associated with the Haná region and Přerov, where she spent almost her entire life, and although she does not mention them by name in her work, she evocatively describes their spectral atmosphere of the time.

The book was compiled and provided with an insightful afterword by Petr Boček.