Slovak author delivers successful book talk at Peasemore

A local Slovak author spoke about her new book in the village last weekend.

Starting at 7pm on Saturday (November 12), Beata Holeckova, 45, discussed her new book, The Sickle and The Crown, part memoir and part self-help guide in equal measure.

Her talk and book signing was attended by some 45 people at Peasemore Village Hall, including two Czech expats now residing at Thatcham and Tutts Clump.

Mrs Holeckova brought her usual high-energy charisma to her presentation, first highlighting some of the key historic events in former Czechoslovakia that informed the basis of her book, followed by an intimate insight into what her own life was like being raised in a former Communist state. She then interacted with the audience, answering questions about her parents' Communist sympathies and the state of politics in Slovakia today.

Mrs Holeckova has lived and taught English to foreign speakers in the UK for the past 16 years. She recently moved to Hungerford with her husband and two daughters after living in Peasemore since 2009.

Her new book is available to purchase on Amazon.

Half-Czech himself, reporter Mirek Gosney is keen to hear stories from more Czechs and Slovaks living in West Berkshire and can be contacted at mirek.gosney@newburynews.co.uk.