Bolesławiec resident Jacek Pałka is the author of three books about Bazylek (sometimes called the Basilisk). “It is writing devoted to the hardships of parenthood, treated humorously,” the writer told the IstotneInformacje.pl portal. All fans of his prose will certainly be pleased to learn that the author is preparing a fourth volume of Bazylek’s adventures, which will be titled “DJ-Micha Is Up to Something Again.”
“The same author, the same pen, only the main character will change,” says Jacek Pałka. Bazylek will disappear, and DJ-Micha will take his place. However, the title character will still be based on the artist’s son, Michał. “Everyone will realize that it is the same person,” the writer assures.
The Eye Opener
Before “DJ-Micha...” is published, however, “The Eye Opener” will be released in January. “It will be something like a memoir—a story about thirty- and forty-year-olds who are emotionally underdeveloped,” says Jacek Pałka. The characters become entangled in various romantic relationships, have episodes involving alcohol, and sometimes fall into depression. “Everything treated humorously,” the author emphasizes.
As the creator of “The Adventures of Mr. Bazylek” assures us, the work will be written in “more substantial language.” “These adults allow themselves more. But the swearing is justified,” the writer explains. “It is not meant to flaunt vulgarity. It is meant to show that the characters live at a high emotional C,” he adds.
Inspirations
The Bolesławiec resident draws inspiration from reality. But autobiographical themes do not dominate “The Eye Opener” at all. “There are no specific details in it,” the author stresses. A chance encounter or a surprising saying may inspire Jacek Pałka—around them, he creates a fictional story. He admits, however, that Poles he met during his stay in Canada gave him the idea for a dozen or so short tales.
In one respect, “The Eye Opener” will be no surprise to those familiar with the writer’s work. The book will contain plenty of allusions to the worlds of music, film, and literature. It will include references to works by artists as diverse as Pogodno, Madonna, thrash-metal bands, and... Ich Troje.
The author of “The Adventures of Mr. Bazylek” openly admits that he appreciates both high and low art. “I absorb whatever culture appeals to me,” he says. This duality is also visible in the way the Bolesławiec resident constructs his characters. “I want the character not to be unambiguous. People are both boors and big shots. They contain a great deal of nobility and pettiness,” Jacek Pałka explains. One of the characters in “The Eye Opener” is a philosopher, which does not mean he will not get into a fight with drunks outside a store. “But generally, my characters are positive people. It certainly is not praise for being a thug,” he adds.
As he admits, he writes “to lift people’s spirits” and so that readers can have a laugh. And even when misfortune sometimes befalls his protagonist, it does not last long. “And at the end, he winks at the audience,” Jacek Pałka says with a smile.
Competition for Readers
For readers of the IstotneInformacje.pl service, we have two copies of Jacek Pałka’s book “Bazylek to the Rescue,” signed by the author. They will go to the first two people who, using the contact form, answer the question: what is the title of the first book about Bazylek? The prizes were sponsored by Agora bookstore.
Note: when sending your answer, please provide your telephone number.
Updated 2008-07-02 10:40
The competition has been decided. The signed books will go to Ms. Monika and Ms. Dominika.
(GA information)