The Inflaming

A linguistically brilliant prose debut exploring the pathology of selfless parenting.

This debut novella by Ivana Myšková was praised for its flawless technique and language. The Inflaming is the story of young Hermína, whose caring parents and a number of fateful men have had a more than healthy influence on her life. Hermína’s internal monologue, interrupted by her letters to friends, focuses on interpersonal relationships, social conventions and expectations. In particular, the novella explores the relationship between mother and daughter as well as whether, and how, it is possible to overcome unwanted genetic baggage. The image of parents as eiders, tearing out their own feathers to create the best possible living conditions for their offspring is a stifling metaphor for excessive parental care, destructive love and unwanted self-sacrifice. For Myšková, precision and perfection of expression is key, creating highly aestheticised and refined intimate prose.