Who is Mirek from The Book of Laughter and Forgetting and what is their importance?

Mirek is an important political figure and scientist in the Czech Republic, Mirek's story and his drive to find letters from an old lover will set the stage and thematic foundation for the book. Specifically, his story—although utterly separated from the story of Tamina—will mirror Tamina's drive for her own love letters. Mirek comes to power as a scientist shortly after his wife died, leaving him alone with his son.