Spaceman of Bohemia
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Founder | Jaroslav Kalfař |
| Products | Science fiction novel |
Spaceman of Bohemia is a science fiction novel authored by Jaroslav Kalfař, first released in 2017.
Premise
The narrative centers on Jakub Procházka, the pioneering Czech cosmonaut embarking on an eight-month solitary expedition to a mysterious cloud of "intergalactic dust" near Venus. This perilous mission, shunned by other nations, becomes a defining journey for Jakub. Throughout his voyage, he forms an unexpected bond with a colossal arachnid named Hanuš. His space expedition is fueled by a need to break free from his troubled past.
Background
Jaroslav Kalfař () was born in 1988 in Prague and relocated to the United States at fifteen with minimal English skills, which he improved by watching Cartoon Network. He earned academic qualifications from the University of Central Florida and completed an MFA at New York University. In 2018, the National Endowment for the Arts awarded him a $25,000 Literature Fellowship to advance his creative work.
The novel is dedicated to Kalfař’s grandfather and is inspired by a deeply personal childhood memory marked by solitude and darkness, elements that profoundly shape the emotional landscape of Jakub’s character. This intimate connection enriches the book’s meditation on isolation.
Kalfař’s fascination with storytelling was ignited early on through his father’s collection of horror and science fiction videotapes. He initially wrote X-Files fan fiction before crafting original stories, drawing influence from writers like Jules Verne, Tolkien, and Milan Kundera. His approach to writing is largely instinctive, emphasizing character development over structured plotting. Themes such as loneliness and political tension are woven into the novel to explore intricate human conditions within an extraordinary space setting.
Originally intended as a short story about an American astronaut, the plot evolved when Kalfař changed the protagonist’s nationality to Czech. This shift introduced greater authenticity and emotional nuance, expanding the concept into a full novel grounded in Kalfař’s cultural heritage and personal experiences.
Plot
Jakub Procházka, an astrophysicist from the Czech Republic, embarks on an eight-month mission to investigate Chopra—a cloud of cosmic dust situated between Earth and Venus. This phenomenon, generated by a comet, causes unusual purple skies and appears to be self-destructive. While most countries consider the mission too hazardous, the Czech Republic embraces the opportunity to lead it, elevating Jakub to national prominence. His motivation stems less from ambition and more from a wish to restore his family’s reputation, tarnished due to his father’s involvement with the Communist Party.
Jakub leaves behind his wife Lenka on Earth and maintains daily video communications with her and his mission engineer Petr. The pressure of isolation strains these relationships, culminating in Lenka’s departure. Plunged into loneliness, Jakub spirals into depression and alcoholism. He begins experiencing hallucinations, notably encounters with Hanuš—a giant talking spider who reveals himself as an alien observer studying humanity.
Upon arrival at Chopra, Jakub’s spacecraft sustains critical damage from the dust cloud. During his final moments alongside the dying Hanuš, he is rescued by a clandestine Russian shuttle operated by cosmonauts from a covert program. They inform him that imprisonment awaits upon his return. With assistance from one cosmonaut who also encountered Hanuš, Jakub manages to escape during reentry but crashes and becomes the sole survivor. Believed dead by others, he opts to remain hidden for both his own safety and Lenka’s wellbeing, retreating to live quietly in his childhood home.
Characters
Jakub Procházka – A Czech astrophysicist leading the mission, driven by a quest for personal atonement through space travel.
Lenka – Jakub’s spouse, whose separation underscores the emotional strain the mission places on intimate relationships.
Hanuš – An extraterrestrial being resembling a spider; establishes a profound connection with Jakub and offers telepathic communication.
Jakub's father – Once a member of the Communist Party and an interrogator for the secret police, whose history caused social alienation for Jakub’s family.
Jakub's grandfather – A farmer who defends the family amid societal antagonism.
Jakub's grandmother – The more empathetic presence within the family.
Petr – The mission’s engineer and Jakub’s primary confidant; serves as the communicator regarding news about Lenka.
Dr. Kuřák – Jakub’s psychiatrist, deeply influenced by Freudian psychology; viewed unfavorably by Jakub.
"Shoe Man" – A wealthy foe intent on revenge against Jakub’s family due to historical conflicts.
Klara – A compassionate Russian cosmonaut on a covert assignment; Jakub develops romantic feelings for her.
Vasily – A Russian astronaut who encounters Hanuš and subsequently experiences mental deterioration.
Yuraj – A cruel member of the Russian cosmonaut group.
Reception
Jason Heller from NPR and Hari Kunzru of The New York Times commend Kalfař's novel for its fresh approach to science fiction. Kunzru emphasizes that Spaceman of Bohemia employs sci-fi elements metaphorically to explore profound human themes rather than concentrating on technical accuracy. He also points out the inclusion of meticulously researched descriptions of zero-gravity life, all reinforcing the central motif of departure and return. Tibor Fischer writing in The Guardian characterizes it as "'Solaris' infused with humor, historical insights, and a pig slaughter," indicating its wide-ranging appeal.
Film adaptation
In 2020, Netflix revealed plans for a feature film based on the novel titled Spaceman, directed by Johan Renck, with a screenplay by Colby Day, featuring Adam Sandler and Carey Mulligan. Production commenced in June 2021 in Prague, Czech Republic. The movie debuted at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival on February 21, 2024, followed by a limited cinema release on February 23, and became available for streaming on Netflix starting March 1, 2024.