Fans of novels based on truth and humour are invited to meet Franciszek Uściński, a musician and cabaret performer, and learn about his book “How I Earned Money for Teeth in Berlin”. The novel, based on autobiographical themes, describes the life of emigrants in Berlin’s artistic underworld in the 1990s.
The book’s protagonist, Jacek K., tells, in an exceptionally light-hearted and humorous way, how he worked as a musician on the streets of Berlin. The difficult period of Poland’s transition from communism to capitalism forced him—as it did many of our compatriots—to travel west to earn a living. In a foreign country, the protagonist of Uściński’s novel had to face many adversities; he was surprised by the cultural differences and customary behaviour of Berliners and emigrants. Jacek always tried to approach every obstacle with a large dose of humour. Franciszek Uściński described not only his own experiences. His book features characters who, like him, had to work in Germany to provide for their families. Jacek met many Poles who took jobs in various professions, sometimes unrelated to their education. They earned money as musicians, waiters and waitresses, and masseuses.
For many, this book will be a return to years gone by; for others, it will be an opportunity to learn about life in different circumstances and dispel the myths about earnings and easy work abroad.
The meeting is organised by Bolesławiecki Ośrodek Kultury-Międzynarodowe Centrum Ceramiki and Księgarnia AGORA.
