Michael Lambek, a descendant of the Tugendhat family, met Mayor Petr Vokřál last Friday, July 28. Photo: Michael Lambek in Brno. // Credit: MMB.
Brno, Aug 4 (BD) – Lambek returned to Moravia to visit places related to his family, to collect material for a book about his family history. Inspired by The Glass Room, a novel by Simon Mawer which portrays the fictional Landauer family, based on the real Tugendhats, Lambek decided to write the authentic story, the official website of the City of Brno reported.
Michael Lambek works as a social anthropologist, and plans to also reflect these themes in writing the new book. “There are many themes: Tugendhat and Brno, or Moravia; the role of the Jews in the development of industry and capitalism, the transformation of the Jewish community in modern times, and then, of course, the [Tugendhat] family and its members, the relationships between them… There I see very interesting issues.” According to the city’s website, he added that he does not intend to write the book as a story from beginning to end, but rather as a series of essays.
Lambek, grandson of Greta Tugendhat, also recalled the large reunion of members of the Tugendhat, Löw-Beer and Stiassni families that took place one year ago, describing the moment as “incredibly charged”. He said: “There were so many family members I knew, but I have not seen for a long time, and so many others I have never met and always wanted to meet. Every moment was filled. I have to come back here again.”
Mayor Petr Vokřál recognised the Tugendhat family as an icon of the city, affirming that all members of the family are always welcome in Brno, the city’s website reported.
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Feature-length adaptation of The Glass Room currently being shot in Brno
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