Poland
by James A. Michener
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Book Summary Information
Author: James A. MichenerEdition: Mass Market Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1984-09-12
ISBN: 0449205878
Number of pages: 640
Publisher: Fawcett
Book Reviews of Poland
Book Review: Swords, Bricks and the Spirit of the Polish People
Summary: 5 Stars
"Poland," the novel, is Michener at his best, retelling the history of the Polish people through 800 years of struggles, missteps and triumphs of memorable characters of the author's creation--generations of the Lubonski (counts), Bukowski (petty nobles) and Buk (peasants) families, sprinkled with foreigners such as endearing Marjorie Trilling (daughter of a wealthy ambassador from the U.S.) and middling Major Konrad Krumpf (Nazi functionary). Against steep odds--swifter and better equipped invaders from the east (Tatars), west (Teutonic Knights), north (Sweden) and south (Turks) between the 13th and 18th centuries; occupation by militarily stronger Austrians, Prussians, Russians, Nazi Germans and Communist Russians during the 19th and 20th centuries; and persistent internal divisions and political chaos among their own social classes--the Polish people steadfastly exhibit an uncanny inner strength and remarkable resolve, as symbolized by the cross-class Bukowski-Buk marriage at story's end, to prevail as a culture, society and country.
We can understand the history of Poland through the interplay of three core elements: geography, freedom and resilience. Situated between Europe and Russia, with no significant east-west geographical obstacles to movement, the lowlands of Poland have historically served as a "buffer zone" between Western (Christian, modernizing, capitalist, liberal) and Eastern (Orthodox, traditional, socialist, autocratic) cultural and political influences. This defining dichotomy finds expression in the Polish people's fleeting realization of their "dream of real freedom" (Michener's phrase) under a new but short-lived democratic constitution in 1791, only to be squelched by restoration of "the sham of Golden Freedom" and liberum veto (the quirky Polish legal practice of allowing a single dissenting vote to prevent change), through which rich and powerful magnates both in surrounding countries and within Poland controlled politics for centuries to maintain serfdom for the selfish economic benefit of the nobility.
The everlasting hope and resilience of the Polish people rises above the terror, forced labor, torture, executions and deaths of millions of Poles (and Jews) during Nazi occupation of Polish towns and villages, particularly at Majdanek (and Auschwitz) and other detention centers during World War II. Despite the repeated ravaging and takeover of Poland by outsiders throughout the centuries, the Polish people's will to determine their own destiny continually furnishes them with the fortitude to rebuild what others destroy. As Michener puts it, "A Pole is a man born with a sword in his right hand and a brick in his left. When the battle is over, he starts to rebuild."
For anyone with an interest in European history, international relations, comparative politics and economics, and, ultimately, humanity, "Poland" offers a realistic glimpse into the heart and soul of the Polish people, pivotally positioned at a crossroads in Eastern Europe. Michener's novel is a well-constructed piece of literature, with my only criticism being that the late author did not apply his inimitable talent to reach further back in history (as Michener did in "Hawaii"). The story of Poland would be more complete with another chapter or two appended at the beginning to explore the pre-13th century roots of today's 38 million Poles and their impressively resilient culture, one that has throughout the times enrichened our lives with discoveries, contributions and leadership from the likes of Copernicus (Kopernik), Chopin, Joseph Conrad, Marie Curie (Sklodowska), Czeslaw Milosz, Pope John Paul II (Wojtyla), and Roman Polanski.
Summary of Poland
Like the heroic land that is its subject, James Michener's POLAND teems with vivid events and unforgettble characters. In the sweeping span of eight tumultuous centuries, three Polish families live out their destinies and the drama of a nation--in the grand tradition of a great James Michener saga."POLAND is a monumental effort, a magnificent guide to a better understanding of the country's tribulations."
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
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