. Ale Dvořáková se nezabývá hlubšími důsledky tohoto zlomu, nezkoumá, jak se proměňuje společnost, jak se lidé přizpůsobují novým podmínkám. Místo toho se soustředí na rodinné vztahy, na vnitřní svět postav, který je plný bolesti, frustrace a nenaplněných touh.
Pláňata je tak především psychologickým portrétem rodiny, která se rozpadá. Dvořáková se snaží zachytit tu beznaděj, tu beznadějnost, která se šíří mezi jejími členy. Její styl je strohý, odlehčený, ale zároveň silně emotivní. Dokáže vyvolat silné pocity u čtenáře, ale nedokáže je prozkoumat a rozvinout do hloubky.
Pláňata je tak spíše povrchní pohled na rodinné vztahy v turbulentní době. Je to příběh o ztrátě, o bolesti, o nenaplněných přáních. Ale není to příběh, který by čtenáře opravdu zasáhl a donutil ho přemýšlet. Je to jen další kniha v řadě, která se zabývá temnými stránkami lidského života, ale nedokáže je prozkoumat a osvětlit.
Pláňata je tak kniha, která zklame ty, kteří očekávají hlubší a komplexnější vyprávění. Je to kniha, která se drží na povrchu a nedokáže proniknout do nitra postav a jejich vztahů. Je to kniha, která sice má své momenty, ale jako celek nedokáže přesvědčit.
Možná je to jen otázka vkusu a preference, ale Pláňata se zdá být jen dalším průměrným románem, který se zapomene hned poté, co ho čtenář dočte.Title: Petra Dvořáková’s New Novel “Pláňata” Receives Mixed Reviews
Date: October 29, 2023
In her latest novel, “Pláňata,” Czech author Petra Dvořáková explores themes of incest and pedophilia, similar to her previous works. Published by Brno’s Host, the book spans over 300 pages and is set in the years 1985-1995, depicting the transition from the old regime to the new, as well as the rise of capitalism in Czechoslovakia.
The story takes place in a multi-generational house in a rural area, possibly in Moravia. The central characters are two daughters who are transitioning from childhood to adulthood, while their parents’ relationship deteriorates due to the father’s increasing alcoholism and the mother’s outbursts of anger and hatred. The grandparents provide some comfort amidst the turmoil. The underlying message is clear: the family dynamics are dysfunctional, and everything seems to be falling apart.
Dvořáková’s novel falls into the category of “cursed house” narratives, which have become popular in Czech literature in recent years, alongside Alena Mornštajnová and Petra Soukupová. The house in the story evokes dark moods and gives rise to forbidden activities, serving as a source of negativity, denial, and tragedy. The grandmother mocks the mother, and the mother despises the father.
The father’s collapse is depicted in real-time, as he brutally manipulates and abuses his daughter. The sisters argue, and the protagonist struggles in her romantic relationships. The cycle of dysfunction continues to be passed down through the generations.
However, Dvořáková’s approach to the subject matter is somewhat superficial. She skims the surface, occasionally incorporating period props and pop culture references. The narrative lacks depth, and the characters are not particularly distinctive; their speech patterns are almost indistinguishable. The only disruptions to the monotony are the intense emotional outbursts of selected family members, including physical violence, throwing cups of tea, and using sex as a form of manipulation.
The novel portrays a sense of despair, sadness, and self-destructive tendencies. Neither the newfound freedom after 1989 nor any higher power can provide solace. Everything seems futile: the old-new family, the new-old regime.
The pivotal moment in the novel is, of course, significant in terms of meaning: it represents the breaking point of an era, the breaking of characters, and the transformation of love into hatred, and life into death. However, everything feels strangely apathetic. The characters, their destinies, and even the author’s writing style lack passion. It seems that Petra Dvořáková wrote her new novel more out of obligation than as a result of exceptional creative inspiration.
In conclusion, “Pláňata” by Petra Dvořáková offers a somewhat lackluster reading experience. While it touches on important themes, the execution falls short of leaving a lasting impact.
How does the author’s focus solely on family relationships in “Pláňata” limit the exploration and understanding of the societal implications of the time period?
In ”Pláňata” serves as a metaphor for the disintegration of the family unit, highlighting the pain, frustration, and unfulfilled desires experienced by its members. The author’s writing style is stark, yet emotionally charged, evoking strong feelings in readers. However, Dvořáková only scratches the surface of the deeper consequences of societal change and how individuals adapt to new conditions.
Rather than delving into the societal implications of the time period, the novel focuses solely on family relationships and the internal worlds of its characters. Despite its exploration of loss, pain, and unfulfilled wishes, “Pláňata” fails to deeply resonate with readers and provoke meaningful reflection. It remains a superficial examination of family dynamics during a turbulent era, lacking the ability to fully explore and illuminate its themes.
Ultimately, “Pláňata” disappoints those expecting a more profound and complex narrative. While it does have its moments, the book remains on the surface, unable to penetrate the depths of its characters and their relationships. It is just another addition to the dark side of human life, without the capacity to thoroughly examine and elucidate its subject matter. Perhaps a matter of taste and preference, “Pláňata” appears to be yet another average novel that is easily forgotten once read.
