An Uncommon Prayer

Protest against oppressive regimes can take a dramatic form: demonstrations, work stoppages, hunger strikes, even self-immolation. But a softly-spoken, “No, I will not,” can also constitute an act of dissent. In Jiri Grusa’s case, such a refusal provides the foundation for an eloquent and morally profound statement about freedom and political oppression.

The Questionnaire, newly published in English translation, was originally circulated in samizdat manuscrip...