Twelve years ago, Christine Estima, a struggling Canadian writer residing in England, stumbled upon a journalism fellowship named after Milena Jesenská. Intrigued by this unfamiliar name, Estima delved into Jesenská’s story and discovered her as a brave journalist, translator, and opponent of the Nazi era. While Jesenská’s legacy is often linked to being Franz Kafka’s romantic partner, their relationship began through her translations of Kafka’s German writings into Czech, leading to a passionate exchange of letters and a clandestine affair.
In an interview on “Bookends with Mattea Roach,” Estima expressed her desire to shift the focus from Jesenská being known solely as Kafka’s lover to recognizing her as an independent figure. This aspiration inspired Estima’s debut novel, “Letters to Kafka,” shedding light on Jesenská’s life and giving her a voice in history. Estima, also the author of “The Syrian Ladies Benevolent Society” short story collection, was a longlisted contender for the 2015 CBC Short Story Prize.
During her conversation with Roach on “Bookends,” Estima elaborated on the audacity and determination Jesenská displayed as a female writer during tumultuous times post-World War I. Jesenská’s decision to pursue writing amidst societal chaos and personal challenges showcased her resilience and intellect.
Estima’s novel portrays the initial encounter between Jesenská and Kafka at a Prague cafe, highlighting their immediate connection and mutual admiration. The novel explores how Jesenská, despite facing financial struggles and societal constraints, found solace in her intellectual pursuits and writings.
Estima’s extensive research process for the novel involved meticulous exploration of historical records, interviews with biographers, and visits to key locations in Vienna and Prague where Jesenská lived. Serendipitous discoveries, such as Jesenská’s proximity to Kafka’s grave at the time of her arrest by the Gestapo, added depth to Estima’s understanding of Jesenská’s life.
Additionally, during her writing process, Estima spent time in Vienna, coincidentally residing on the same street where Jesenská once lived. This experience provided a unique connection to Jesenská’s past, inspiring Estima’s writing and enriching her portrayal of Jesenská’s world.
Through meticulous research and personal connections to Jesenská’s history, Estima’s novel brings to light the resilience and intellectual vigor of a woman often overshadowed by her association with Kafka.