Ota Pavel

Ota Pavel (born as Otto Popper, July 2, 1930, Prague – March 31, 1973, Prague) was a Czech Jewish writer, journalist, and sports reporter, known primarily for his autobiographical works.

Pavel's writing is characterized by its nostalgic and often humorous tone, focusing on his childhood memories, his family, and his love for nature, particularly fishing. He frequently wrote about his father, a traveling salesman and a passionate fisherman, as well as his two brothers, both of whom had different experiences during World War II due to their father's efforts to protect them.

During World War II, the Popper family, due to their Jewish heritage, was persecuted by the Nazi regime. His father and brothers were sent to concentration camps, while Ota was hidden by his mother. This traumatic experience deeply impacted his life and writing.

After the war, he worked as a sports reporter for various publications, including Československý rozhlas (Czechoslovak Radio) and Stadion magazine. He covered several Olympic Games and other major sporting events.

In the 1960s, Pavel began to suffer from mental illness, which was diagnosed as manic-depressive disorder (bipolar disorder). His illness significantly impacted his personal and professional life, leading to periods of hospitalization and treatment.

Despite his struggles with mental health, Ota Pavel continued to write. His most famous works include:

• Dukla mezi mrakodrapy (Dukla Among Skyscrapers) - A collection of sports reports.
• Plná bedna šampaňského (A Full Crate of Champagne) - Another collection of sports reports and stories.
• Jak jsem potkal ryby (How I Met the Fish) - A collection of autobiographical stories centered around his passion for fishing.
• Smrt krásných srnců (Death of the Beautiful Roebucks) - A collection of autobiographical stories, often considered his masterpiece, focusing on his childhood and his father's resourcefulness during the war.
• Zlatí úhoři (Golden Eels) - Another collection of autobiographical stories about fishing and family.

Ota Pavel's works are celebrated for their heartfelt storytelling, vivid descriptions of nature, and exploration of themes such as family, memory, loss, and the enduring power of hope. He is considered one of the most important Czech writers of the 20th century.