Typical Michener approach: a contemporary story that works in a sweeping history of Poland covering eight important historical periods, starting with the 13th century. Over 550 pages to dig in and get transported.
In a tradition of resistance to barbarian Tartar invaders and brutal Nazi occupiers, and with a fiery pride that burns through eras of romantic fervor, foreign domination and courageous solidarity three Polish families live out their destinies--and the drama of a nation. This is an inspirational unforgettable tale of a gallant people who not only survive great catastrophe, but ride again tp bio;d pm ots veru destrictopm/
Loved it! Great view of the human drama in the traumatic history of a country caught in the crossfire of political power.
Another great Michener epic tale - this one of Eastern Europe!
I had to skip over many of the names w/o trying to pronounce them Very good historical picture of Poland.
Michener is one of my all time favorite writers and I have read almost all of the fiction he wrote.
Poland is another wide ranging historical novel that takes the reader from post WWII into the larger historical periods of Poland's history.
I read a review recently by a reader (not here) who complained that many of the "facts" of Polish history are inaccurately presented in the novel.
I would like to take a moment here to point out to anyone reading this review that James Michener wrote "historical novels" not history books. Michener's great novels (and other historical novels by other major writers) should be looked on as you would a painting. Just as a painting provides the broad stroke of something seen thru the painters' eyes, so should Michener's historical novels be thought of as word pictures as seen thru his eyes.
While Michener left out some important Polish history, what he covers is entertaining and enlightening. He is a riveting storyteller.
