In search of an adequate novel on the democratic changes of 1989/1990. A paradigmatic approach

Abstract

Literary debates on Central Europe often concern the problems of the democratic breakthrough in the former Eastern bloc. Central Europe is also a common cultural and literary heritage; however, it must be shown how literary visions resonated in specific discussions and literary works in various countries before and after the democratic transformation of 1989/1990. Revolutionary events in Poland resulted in the “Autumn of Nations”, and the expectations of readers and critics for a suitable novel about the breakthrough and transformation process were high.