Radka Denemarková: Schokoladenblut

Radka Denemarková is one of the most important contemporary Czech authors. In her new major novel, *Chocolate Blood*, she brilliantly reimagines the history of the 19th century: global in scope, sharp-tongued, and brilliant.

In the mid-19th century, the Czech writer Božena Němcová sits in her small study, laboriously penning a patriotic fairy tale whose message does not even convince her. George Sand, her French contemporary, has left social conventions behind and writes novels with a light touch. On the other side of the Atlantic, John D. Rockefeller builds his empire on a thick, brown raw material, laying the foundation for a new era of global power.

On her literary journey through the 19th century, Radka Denemarková explores themes, dependencies, and gender roles that continue to shape our own time. “Chocolate Blood” is a unique, gripping novel about writing as an act of resistance.

As part of the “Books That Matter” series, the author will read from her new work and discuss freedom, power, and the power of art.

Welcome: Layla Al-Zubaidi, Head of International Thematic Departments, Heinrich Böll Foundation