Headed For the Blues: A Memoir with Ten Stories

"Jazz, politics, sex, fear, and the humor necessary to survive absurdity provide the backdrop as Skvorecky seamlessly interweaves his own story with those of his friends; particularly that of his childhood friend Prema, whose life stands in stark contrast to Skvorecky's own.

Forced to flee the country shortly after the end of World War II for illegally broadcasting from a stolen transmitter, Prema embarks on his new life, wandering as far as Australia, occasionally dropping Skvorecky ""Dear Old Buddy"" postcards reporting on a life robbed of its home and its promise.