Czech literature stalwart Zdena Salivarova, a renowned publisher, passes away at the age of 91
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Zdena Salivarova, a remarkable figure in the world of literature, passed away on August 25, 2021, in Toronto. Her death was announced by Sarka Vamberova, the consul general of the Czech Republic in Toronto.
Born in Czechoslovakia, Salivarova was not only an accomplished writer, singer, and actress but also a pioneering publisher. In 1971, she established 68 Publishers in her one-bedroom apartment in Toronto, named after the August 1968 events in Prague.
The publishing house was founded alongside her husband, Josef Skvorecky, a leading late-20th-century writer, who, like Salivarova, faced the wrath of the Soviet-backed Communist regime in Czechoslovakia, with his books outlawed under the regime.
In the face of adversity, Salivarova and Skvorecky went into competition with the official publishing establishment by setting up 68 Publishers. The publishing house became a beacon of hope for several writers, including Josef Skvorecky, Vaclav Havel, Milan Kundera, and many others, whose works were banned under the Communist regime.
Initially operating from her apartment, Salivarova managed, typeset the books, took them to the post office, and sometimes sent them back across the Iron Curtain free of charge. As the publishing house grew, it moved to small offices in Toronto, but its mission remained the same: to secure the fortunes of writers whose voices were silenced by the regime.
68 Publishers played a crucial role in the careers of many writers, providing them with a platform to share their work with the world. The publishing house's contributions to literature cannot be overstated, and its impact is still felt today.
Despite her significant contributions, Salivarova was often overshadowed by her famous husband. However, her legacy lives on, not only in the works of the writers she published but also in the spirit of resilience and determination she embodied.
Zdena Salivarova's life and work serve as a reminder of the power of literature and the importance of standing up for freedom of speech, even in the face of adversity. Her passing is a loss not only to the Czech community but also to the world of literature.
