Slavka

Born in the Bohemian city of Leitmeritz in 1909, Slavka, the charming and edgy daughter of a philharmonic concert violinist, is ready to take on the world. With a Jungmann Gymnasium diploma in hand, she sets out to gain employment as secretary to Rudolf Stolle, the richest person in town, a decorated war hero, and a self-made man. Jan, a broad-shouldered young count and a former classmate, falls in love not only with Slavka but also with her Slavic world, which is full of laughter, music, Czech rituals, and cuisine--a sharp contrast to his aristocratic German upbringing. Jan introduces Slavka to passion and high society while Rudolf introduces her to race car drivers and high-stakes investors in the roaring twenties.Naively breaking social norms, causing rumors of infidelity, jealousy, bribe offerings, and stubborn pride, Slavka's world is inadvertently torn apart. A first tragedy shatters her faith in humanity; a closely followed second shakes her faith in God. On this journey from grief to healing, Slavka explores the rich history of Prague, the musical magic of Salzburg, and the tranquil beauty of Karlovy Vary.In establishing relationships with brilliant people who share their own stories of love, death, and rebirth--composer Josef Suk, entrepreneur Thomas Bata, and world's fastest female driver, Eliska Junkova--Slavka finds hope and the strength to love again. Through it all, Slavka's confrontational yet intimate relationship with the Creator grows amid her struggle in a world ruled and documented by men.

-- Johanka Hart Tompkins