Jenufa, her step-daughter

Originally published in 1890 as a Czech play titled Její pastorkyňa, Gabriela Preissová's work remains a foundational text of late nineteenth-century realism. The story, set in a remote Moravian village, explores the severe social pressures and moral conflicts faced by the title character, Jenůfa, and her stepmother, Kostelnička. Its raw, unsentimental look at rural life and the consequences of communal judgment challenged the conventional dramatic themes of its era, eventually providing the narrative backbone for Leoš Janáček’s celebrated opera of the same name.

This 2017 edition, published by Bloomsbury, serves to reintroduce English-speaking audiences to the literary roots of the operatic masterpiece. By presenting Preissová's original prose, the volume highlights her mastery of psychological tension and the stark, atmospheric realism that defined her career. This specific release is valued by scholars and opera enthusiasts alike for offering the foundational text in an accessible format, honoring the cultural weight of a work that continues to resonate with modern readers through its exploration of guilt, redemption, and societal duty.