Jarka Kubsova's "Im Licht des neuen Tages" Named Kulturnews Book of the Week for October 2026
Kulturnews has selected Jarka Kubsova's third book, "Im Licht des neuen Tages," as its top literary pick for the week and one of October 2026's finest reads. The narrative centers on Elli Hajek, a blocked writer who journeys to the Czech valley where Božena Nĕmcová spent her youth. Captivated by Nĕmcová's character Viktorka from "Die Großmutter," Elli embarks on a quest for truth, grappling with the loss of her own grandmother. Nĕmcová is celebrated in Germany for "Drei Haselnüsse für Aschenbrödel," while "Die Großmutter" holds a classic status in the Czech Republic. Kubsova's work merges Künstlerroman, psychological insight, and historical fiction, highlighting the effects of 19th-century patriarchy. Matthias Jordan's review appears in the October 2026 recommendations alongside authors like Dana Vowinckel and Max Czollek.
Key facts
- Jarka Kubsova's novel "Im Licht des neuen Tages" is Kulturnews' book recommendation of the week.
- The novel is Kubsova's third.
- It appears on Kulturnews' list of the best books of October 2026.
- Protagonist Elli Hajek is a writer with writer's block who travels to the Czech valley where Božena Nĕmcová spent her childhood.
- Elli investigates the real-life figure Viktorka from Nĕmcová's "Die Großmutter."
- In Germany, Nĕmcová is best known for the adaptation of "Drei Haselnüsse für Aschenbrödel," shown every Christmas.
- The review was written by Matthias Jordan.
- The October 2026 recommendations also include books by Dana Vowinckel, Max Czollek, Franziska Gänsler, Caroline Wahl and Hannah Mann.
Entities
Artists
- Jarka Kubsova
- Božena Nĕmcová
- Elli Hajek
- Viktorka
- Matthias Jordan
- Dana Vowinckel
- Max Czollek
- Franziska Gänsler
- Caroline Wahl
- Hannah Mann
- Gaby Gerster
Institutions
- Kulturnews
Locations
- Germany
- Czech Republic
- Czechoslovakia