Rusalka | Paperback

Rusalka | Paperback Description

Famous as the libretto for Antonín Dvorák&s opera of the same name, Jaroslav Kvapil&s poem Rusalka is an intriguing work of literature on its own. Directly inspired by Hans Christian Andersen&s famous &The Little Mermaid,& Kvapil&s reinterpretation adds an array of nuanced poetic techniques, a more dramatic tempo, and dark undertones that echo the work of eminent Czech folklorist Karel Jaromír Erben. All of these influences work in tandem to create a poetic work that is familiar yet innovative.   Transposed into the folkloric topos of a landlocked Bohemia, the mermaid is rendered here as a Slavic rusalka&a dangerous water nymph&who must choose between love and immortality. Thus, Rusalka, while certainly paying homage to the original story&s Scandinavian roots, is still a distinct work of modern Czech literature. Newly translated by Patrick Corness, Kvapil&s work will now find a fresh group of readers looking to get lost in one of Europe&s great lyrical fairy tale traditions.