Bohater – nieudacznik w peerelowskiej krainie. O Lesiu Joanny Chmielewskiej
An inept hero in the People’s Republic of Poland. About Joanna Chmielewska’s Lesio

Summary/Abstract: Joanna Chmielowska’s crime novel Lesio differs from others in its genre due to its narrative perspective and its uniquely strong comedic aspect, which is emphasised in the subtitle. The titular protagonist, an office-working architect, represents the prototype of the artistically talented underachiever. His attempts at murdering colleague Matylda, PA and “punctuality police”, and another colleague, his rival for the affections of “office-crush” Barbara, are both inept and amusing. The two projected murders are situated amidst comedic events and thus transform the crime novel into a grotesque parody. Lesio’s role and character undergo changes during the novel’s three parts owing to his participation in a workplace contest, as well as his contribution towards the planning of a large holiday and recreational centre. Subsequent sections of this article will focus on the analysis of the following: characterisation of the protagonist; comedic aspects; parody and linguistic styling; and portrayal of the sociocultural background of the People’s Polish Republic in the 1970s.

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