A CONTRIBUTION TO THE HISTORY OF JOY. A Novel by Radka Denemarková

A novel by Radka Denemarková, (jointly translated from the Czech Příspěvek k dějinám radosti)

Coffee House Press,  Minneapolis, September 22, 2026 ISBN: 9781566897662

Link to order here

The fourth novel by acclaimed Czech writer Radka Denemarková, and her second to be published in English, A Contribution to the History of Joy addresses the sexualized violence that pervades times and cultures—from Nazi crimes in Poland to mass rape in India and forced prostitution of minors in England—a universal calamity stored in the body’s memory, for which the birds are the only reliable witnesses.

“Denemarková’s prose, poetically rendered by translators Julia and Peter Sherwood […] was first published in her native language in 2014; while lags in English translations aren’t uncommon, it is striking to read Contribution now in the wake of the #MeToo movement, when its impact and legacy have come into question. Though it brought down several notable predators, it’s also fair to say that public scrutiny of men’s bad behavior hasn’t improved it overall. Epstein’s clients have largely avoided consequences. Vulnerable groups must remain vigilant. That doesn’t make the novel dated; in fact, it only feels more urgent.”  Sara Batkie, Chicago Review of Books, 23 September 2026.

“A Contribution to the History of Joy is a spellbinding mystery novel about women who address men’s crimes.” Karen Rigby, Foreword (September / October 2026).