Memorable haunting characters in memorable haunting locales fill the pages ofJaroslav Cervenkas awardwinning collection of stories. Cervenka takes us fromChocu ... » 

Memorable haunting characters in memorable haunting locales fill the pages ofJaroslav Cervenkas awardwinning collection of stories. Cervenka takes us fromChocu the remotest jungle region of Colombia to the infamous site of theGolden Triangle in Thailand stopping along the way in Pragues Lesser Townthe island of Gore off the coast of Dakar a village bar in Kamikawa heavenand Minneapolis.These stories are populated with wellmeaning characters like Jindra whodisappears up the river in Papua New Guinea towards bad rapids and hostilefolks who stick to some of the old unpleasant dietary traditions and theBavarian professor who enjoys an idyllic academic life yet yearns todisappear to some malarian hole at the edge of a jungle with saunalike heatand humidity about as healthy as a hospital sewer under a leaden sky thatpours five meters of water per year on the palmfronded roofs of some sorryshack sticking out of a permanent mudpie. Cervenkas characters are imperfectspecimens of humanity politically and otherwise incorrect and his effortlessrevelation of their kindness leaves the reader cautiously optimistic and fullyentertained.The Revenge of Underwater Man speaks to the optimist and adventurer in us all.This collection is edgy erudite irreverent and funny a rewarding read forthose who treasure the true and the exceptional. «