Czech author’s debut novel to be translated into 27 languages

The debut novel “Memory Burn” (Rozložíš pamět) by Marek Torčík, published in October 2023, has already been acquired for translation into 27 languages.

Meanwhile, one of the most translated Ukrainian novels, “Internat” (2017) by Serhiy Zhadan, rights for which are held by the German publisher Suhrkamp, has been translated into 28 languages.

Pavlína Juračková, Paseka’s editor and rights manager, believes there is still potential to sell the book in even more distant language markets. However, she noted that they are “increasingly running into the issue of a lack of available translators.” The rightsholder chose not to use English as an intermediary language for the translations.

“At 3:37, the novel’s protagonist is awakened by a phone call, and a late-night conversation with their mother stirs a whirlwind of memories. It takes them back to when they were teenagers in the Moravian town of Přerov, to the experiences of a queer youth growing up in a conservative industrial city, and in a family that always lacks money. This world punishes you for being different,” reads the annotation.

The novel begins with a quote from the novel “The Hour of the Star” by a Brazilian author of Jewish-Ukrainian descent, Clarice Lispector: “Is there anyone who has never asked themselves at least once: am I a monster, or is this what it means to be human?”

Czech cover by Paseka, published in October 2023

The Czech title of the novel reflects the protagonist’s desire to “deconstruct memory into pieces,” analyzing not only their memories (of their mother, father, grandfather, bowling, alcoholism, and coming out), but also the family’s “collective memory.”

In 2024, the novel received multiple awards, including the Czech literary prize Magnesia Litera and the Jiří Orten Award, which is awarded to young poets and writers under 30. Furthermore, one of its translations received the Susanna Roth Award.

The editor believes that its international popularity was boosted by the local themes that connect with global issues, as well as the personal narrative that mirrors modern social challenges.

The rise in the book’s popularity happened partly during a period of increasing challenges to freedom of speech and human rights in the US and Europe, including bans on books accused of “promoting homosexuality” and restrictions on holding Pride events.

Pavlína Juračková, Editor and Foreign Rights Manager at Paseka Publishing

“In recent years, many topics, previously overlooked or underrepresented, have started to receive more and more attention, and groups that were historically marginalized are gaining greater visibility through public discussions. This shift has led to varied reactions, including some resistance to these changes and attempts to restrict certain content,” notes Juračková. “However, it is important to support honest voices that offer alternative perspectives and contribute to a more inclusive public dialogue. This applies not only to ‘Memory Burn’, but also to other important books.”

By the end of the year, the novel will also appear in Ukrainian translation, with publishing rights acquired by Khto Tse Publishing, established this spring.

Marek Torčík is a Prague-based poetry and prose writer and cultural journalist, holding a Master’s degree in English Literature and Culture from Charles University in Prague. Torčík’s debut poetry collection, “Rhizomy” (Roots), was published in 2016. Following the success of “Memory Burn,” the author is preparing a second novel set in the remote corners of northern Moravia, where history and myths resurface as reflections of the present.

Paseka publishing house releases both Czech and foreign authors translated into Czech, covering fiction, nonfiction, and children’s literature. Since its founding in 1989, Paseka has introduced over 1,600 titles to readers and currently produces around 40 new titles annually. Among its authors are Alice Munro, Salman Rushdie, Timothy Snyder, Susan Sontag, and others. Rights sales began in 2022, and since then, 100 licenses have already been sold. In 2025, Paseka’s Rights Manager Pavlína Juračková will participate in the Special Program for Publishers from Ukraine and Neighboring Countries at the Frankfurt Book Fair

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