Twelve years ago, Christine Estima, a struggling Canadian writer living in England, stumbled upon a journalism fellowship honoring Milena Jesenská. Unfamiliar with Jesenská, Estima delved into her story, discovering her as a brave journalist, translator, and opponent of the Nazi regime. Despite her notable achievements, Jesenská is predominantly known in history as Franz Kafka’s romantic partner. Their relationship blossomed through translating Kafka’s works and engaging in a passionate correspondence that evolved into an intimate affair.
Estima, aiming to shift the focus from Jesenská’s association with Kafka, envisioned Kafka being recognized as Jesenská’s partner. This aspiration inspired Estima’s debut novel, “Letters to Kafka,” which sheds light on Jesenská’s life, offering a voice to a woman often marginalized in historical narratives. In addition to her novel, Estima also penned the short story collection “The Syrian Ladies Benevolent Society” and was a longlisted candidate for the CBC Short Story Prize in 2015.
During a discussion on “Bookends with Mattea Roach,” Estima shared her fascination with Jesenská’s narrative, particularly her defiance of societal norms by pursuing a writing career during challenging times post-World War I. Jesenská’s determination and intellect amidst Vienna’s turmoil and personal struggles intrigued Estima, shaping the foundation of her novel. The chance encounter between Jesenská and Kafka at a Prague café sparked a mutual attraction rooted in intellectual admiration, leading to a profound connection that transcended mere acquaintanceship.
Estima dedicated four years to researching Jesenská’s life, immersing herself in Vienna and Prague to authentically experience Jesenská’s world. Through extensive exploration of historical records, interviews, and visits to key locations, Estima uncovered hidden details, such as Jesenská’s proximity to Kafka’s grave upon her arrest by the Gestapo. This revelation underscored Jesenská’s deliberate choice of residence, emphasizing her enduring connection to Kafka’s legacy.
In a serendipitous turn of events, Estima’s journey intertwined with Jesenská’s as she house-sat on Lerchenfelder Straße in Vienna, where Jesenská once resided. The proximity to Jesenská’s former abode and the intimate familiarity with her surroundings fueled Estima’s creative process, enriching her narrative with a profound sense of connection to Jesenská’s legacy.
Through meticulous research and personal experiences, Estima’s novel captures the essence of Jesenská’s remarkable life, offering a fresh perspective on her legacy beyond her association with Kafka. The profound impact of Jesenská’s resilience and unwavering pursuit of literary expression resonates through Estima’s poignant storytelling, honoring a woman whose voice echoes through the annals of history.