This afternoon was one of the field trips I was most looking forward to - Ratiborice castle, Ryzmbursky and Babička Udoli (Grandmother’s Valley) - the childhood home of Božena Němcová, who in 1855 published her autobiographical novel, The Grandmother (Babička), about life in the small village where she and her siblings were raised by their grandmother. It's required reading for all Czech students and is a bit like a Czech Tom Sawyer. Since it was written around the time my ancestors were leaving the country for America, it's one of the best glimpses into village life at that time, as well as being an interesting story about an elderly woman's life which has been full of many challenges, giving her great wisdom and well-earned respect. Most of the places mentioned in the novel are still viewable in the valley today. [If you are tempted to read the novel in English, interlibrary loan is probably your best source, as the book is out of print and highly sought after by collectors.]
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