Good soldier Schalk

Author: (Czech) Ha?ek Liu Chao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: The novel follows the experiences of a common soldier, ?vejk, during the Second World War, exposing the cruelty and tyranny of the Austro-Hungarian rulers and the corruption and decay of their army. They plundered and exploited the people, engaged in oppression and bullying among officers, and feuded with their allies. They tortured prisoners of war, and every officer, from top to bottom, was ignorant, greedy, and corrupt. ?vejk was kind and brave, clever yet unassuming, seemingly ordinary, a bit foolish and comical, yet he skillfully used folk proverbs and jokes, adopted the slogans of his superiors, and turned their own methods against them. Wherever he went, chaos followed, making the repressive regime unable to function. After its publication, the novel was translated into over 40 languages and gained a wide readership worldwide, enjoying international acclaim.