Soundscapes of the Holocaust in Third-Generation Czech Fiction

Abstract This article addresses the underexplored area of sonic memory of the Holocaust in contemporary Czech fiction. Through an examination of three third-generation novels, the study delves into the representation of the soundscapes of the Holocaust in the Bohemian lands. This study aims to present what these soundscapes reveal about the roles and statuses of Holocaust perpetrators, victims, and witnesses as they are transmitted into current Czech collective memory. Key findings from the analysis of literary texts suggest a deliberate silence surrounding places of oppression, such as ghettos and extermination camps. Auditory torment is often depicted through music or silence, highlighting the challenge of conveying the inexpressible sounds of this harrowing period. By studying the literary representation of the soundscapes of the Holocaust in the Bohemian lands, we gain a deeper understanding of contemporary Czech collective memory.