Unveiling a forbidden edition: The Brothers Lionheart returns under a new light
In the waning years of Czechoslovakia’s communist era, the regime tightly controlled what could be read and shared in public life. When Astrid Lindgren’s Czech publisher declined to bring Bröderna Lejonhjärta — The Brothers Lionheart — to Czech readers, labeling it inappropriate for children, a remarkable act of defiance emerged. The translator Jarka Vrbová decided to press on, producing about ten clandestine copies by hand. Her quiet rebellion kept Lindgren’s cherished tale alive in a society where censorship loomed large over every sentence.
Context: censorship and courage in 1980s Czechoslovakia
The 1980s in Czechoslovakia were defined by state control over culture, education, and literature. Books, magazines, and even conversations could be monitored, condemned, or banned. Against this backdrop, Vrbová’s choice to publish a hidden run of the book became more than a literary act — it was a statement about the right to read, learn, and imagine beyond the party line. The Brothers Lionheart, a tale of bravery, friendship, and moral choice, resonated with readers who understood that stories could empower individuals to question authority and imagine alternative futures.
Vrbová’s risk and the secret print run
Producing a secret edition involved real risk. Copying and circulating the book could bring punishment for both author and translator. Nevertheless, the ten copies circulated through informal routes, influencing teachers, students, and readers who sought access to a work they believed deserved to be read. The act wasn’t merely about a single title; it was about preserving a cultural artifact that spoke to resilience, empathy, and the power of imagination in the face of censorship.
From clandestine sheets to a visible edition: the new release
Today, the story of Jarka Vrbová’s clandestine effort is being told again through a new edition of The Brothers Lionheart. A distinctive feature of this release is the first page, which presents an image of Vrbová’s vintage typewriter — a tangible link to the author’s and translator’s labor behind every word that dodged the censors. The edition’s arrival is supported by Svenska PEN and allied partners, united in the aim of shining a light on freedom of expression and the ongoing history of censorship in literature.
PEN and the fight for freedom of expression
Organizations such as Svenska PEN argue that freedom of expression extends beyond the act of publishing to the responsibility society bears to defend access to diverse voices. By highlighting this “forbidden” edition, PEN invites readers to reflect on how censorship shapes our memory, questions the balance between protecting children and preserving literary breadth, and emphasizes the importance of safeguarding access to books for readers of all ages.
Why this edition matters today
Reading a “forbidden” edition today offers more than nostalgia. It provides a case study in how literature can be stifled, how translators and editors navigate political pressure, and how readers respond when confronted with the question: what are we willing to read, and why does it matter? The Brothers Lionheart remains a beloved adventure about courage and friendship, but the new edition doubles as a vehicle for dialogue about censorship, translation, and the responsibilities of publishers, scholars, and readers alike.
Looking ahead
As debates about access to books and the balance between protection and freedom continue around the world, this new release of The Brothers Lionheart serves as a timely reminder: the freedom to read is precious and must be defended, discussed, and celebrated.
