Jan Novak

About the Author

Jan Novak is a Czech-American author whose evocative prose captures the gritty underbelly of Prague's tumultuous history. Born in Prague and later emigrating to the United States, Novak draws from his dual heritage to weave narratives that blend political intrigue, cultural satire, and human resilience. His debut collection, Commies, Crooks, Gypsies, Spooks & Poets: Thirteen Books of Prague in the Year of the Great Lice Epidemic, immerses readers in the chaotic year of 1968, chronicling the city's eclectic inhabitants amid revolution and repression. With a keen eye for absurdity and a deep empathy for the marginalized, Novak's work has earned acclaim for revitalizing Eastern European literature in English translation. He resides in Boston, where he continues to explore themes of exile, identity, and survival.