Publisher's Synopsis
As the Second World War draws to a conclusion, Marek Poljovka, Mayor of Krupka, is faced with a problem. Krupka, a sleepy central European market town, is nominally under the control of the Third Reich. So far Marek has managed to maintain cordial relations with the occupying forces, personified by the urbane and charming Hauptmann Kristian Kreissl and his superior officer, the heroic and partially disabled war hero, Colonel Malz. 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 the 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?
