“I’ve been convinced that Mojmír’s marriage to Hedvika resembled a softened modern-day version of the age-old story about Modrovous who would kill his wives from the very beginning. You know the story: inexperienced beauty gets married to a sleazy rich monster who at first sight gives her freedom, but eventually ends up obliterating her natural beauty, talent and effervescence,“ says a doula, the narrator of Michal Viewegh’s new book Biomanželka (Eco-Wife).

Initially, the doula only guides Hedvika through her pregnancy and childbirth. Nevertheless, she doesn’t abandon her child-bearing associate and lives with her and her husband for the following seven years. This is the starting point of the humorous novel by the most popular Czech writer. “Ostensibly humorous,” explains the author. “Alas, I cannot deny that the novel is also partly autobiographical.”