Disturbing the Peace is a unique work that straddles both traditional autobiographical elements and innovative composition techniques. The narrative delves deeply into Václav Havel's personal and professional life, offering insights into his upbringing, influences, and career as a playwright. The book's format, primarily a conversation between Havel and writer Karel Hvížďala, adds a layer of intimacy to the exploration of Havel's thoughts and convictions.

Origins and Structure

The creation process of Disturbing the Peace was unconventional. Karel Hvížďala, residing in West Germany, sent a collection of questions to Havel, who was in Prague. Havel sequestered himself in an apartment, recording his responses over eleven hours of tape, which were then transcribed and edited by Hvížďala. This initial manuscript was returned to Havel for further refinement, ultimately resulting in a book that combines elements of both oral and written storytelling. The question-and-answer format gives the book a conversational tone, but it transcends a traditional interview, allowing Havel's voice to remain distinct and prominent.

A Focus on the Writer, Not the Politician

Although Havel later became a prominent political figure, Disturbing the Peace is focused on his identity as an author and philosopher. The book was completed before his election as President of Czechoslovakia and does not incorporate this significant event. Translator Paul Wilson suggested updating the text to reflect Havel's new status, but Havel chose to retain its original content. This decision underscores the book's primary intent: to offer a comprehensive view of Havel's ideas and written works, untouched by his later political role.

Havel's Non-Political Standpoint

Havel consistently emphasized his non-political stance in Disturbing the Peace. He described himself as a writer, not a politician, stating, “I’ve never been a politician and never wanted to be.” This assertion, made in the mid-1980s, reflects his genuine self-perception. Havel identified his mission as speaking truthfully about his world, a duty he fulfilled through his plays and essays rather than through political engagement.

Personal Reflection and Legacy

Despite his eventual fame as a political leader, Disturbing the Peace focuses on why Havel was chosen for such a role. The text highlights his personal qualities: modesty, an unwavering pursuit of truth, and an ability to connect with ordinary people, demonstrated by his renowned humor and courage. These traits are evidenced in his influential essay “The Power of the Powerless” and his consistent refusal to conform.

Multiple Facets of Havel's Career

Before 1986, Havel's life encompassed various careers, making it difficult to pinpoint the most significant. Was he primarily a playwright or a writer of philosophical essays? Although he sometimes doubted his playwriting ability, his essays maintained a high standard, illustrating his capacity to philosophize without claiming to be a philosopher. His candidness about his doubts reveals a "steely" modesty intertwined with his commitment to clear-sightedness.

A Playwright's Insight

Havel's playwriting is a central theme in Disturbing the Peace. He critiques his well-known works, discussing their strengths and weaknesses. The book's second part, "Writing for the Stage," provides a critical framework for reading his plays, encouraging readers to compare their interpretations with Havel’s own reflections. Although Havel favored his later works, his early plays, such as The Garden Party and the Vanek series, are considered some of his best, reflecting his literary evolution influenced by significant life experiences.

Challenging Western Perceptions

Havel's observations in Disturbing the Peace challenge how Western media labeled him. In negotiations with Communists in 1989, he was often termed an "avant-garde" playwright or "dissident." Havel, however, rejected these labels, clarifying that his plays were not avant-garde but rooted in the theater of the absurd. He differentiated between avant-garde and...