Michal Ajvaz's 'Passages under Glass': A Symmetrical Literary Labyrinth

This review analyzes Michal Ajvaz's novel 'Passages under Glass,' describing it as an intricate, symmetrical literary work that functions like a pilgrimage or a surreal hidden object picture. The narrative structure relies heavily on the principle of symmetry, initiating with a mirrored encounter at the Leipzig Book Fair where two men exchange identical boxes. This event triggers a complex web of interconnected stories, branching out like a family tree or a relay race, yet feeling more like zooming into infinite microcosms and macrocosms. Key sub-narratives include 'The Story of the Box with the Blank Leaves' and 'The Story of the Box with the Pearls.' The review highlights specific characters, such as Francesca, an art student at Lake Garda, and Angelo, a man devoid of personal preferences who finds freedom in realizing his own emptiness. Ajvaz, a cult author in the Czech Republic, creates a glittering labyrinth where everything is interwoven, challenging readers to navigate dozens of characters and hundreds of names. The article emphasizes the magical quality of symmetry in the text, suggesting that the reading experience is an epic journey requiring significant engagement from the audience to unravel its depth and special focus.