As the Second World War draws to a conclusion, Marek Poljovka, Mayor of Krupka, is faced with a problem. Krupka, a sleepy market town, is nominally under the control of the Third Reich. So far Marek has managed to maintain cordial relations with the occupying forces. Now that the tide of war is so clearly turning, Marek does not want his cooperation with the Germans to be construed as collaboration, the consequences of which he would prefer not to think about.
Marek's efforts to handle an increasingly tricky situation are hardly assisted by the colourful local population, ranging from curse-happy witches through dim-witted partisans to plainly insane river pirates.
Can Marek cope? Can he keep his dignity? Can he avoid being tied to a lamp post and shot? And what about the women in his life - especially Elena? About that he is in no doubt at all. He would be safer tied to the lamp post....More >< Less