Translator’s Note: “How We Spent the Fifties” is a satirical short story from a collection of humorous stories written by Miloslav Šimek and Jiří Grossmann that tells the tale of the turmoil and absurdity of a family that’s bending over backwards in support for the...
Miloslav (1940–2004) and Jiří (1941–1971) left their careers to establish a humorous duo-act writing poetry, short stories and plays. They were best known as the authors of satirical short stories describing how family life, school, and society played out during the Communist oppression in Czechoslovakia. Their open disapproval of the regime lead to their persecution during the Soviet occupation.
Jakub was born in Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic. He holds a BA degree in English Language for Education and an MA in Translation and Interpreting Studies from The University of Manchester. Currently, he is seeking publishers for a collection of satirical short stories by Miloslav Šimek and Jiří Grossmann.