Another great historical novel. This one is set in Poland during the late 1700s and deals with the threat that Poland is under from Imperial Russia. I read the biography of Catherine the Great a year ago, and this fits right into that period of history. Poland has had several struggles trying to maintain its sovereignty for many years. The political story is told through a young woman, Countess Anna Maria Berezowska, who is orphaned before she reaches maturity and is taken in by her Aunt, who lives near Warsaw. It is based on the true story of the Countess, who wrote about the tumultuous events in Poland during the years 1791-1794. The author discovered the diary that had been kept in sealed wax for almost two centuries by the Countess' family, and has been researching the historical period it covers for the past 25 years. There are excerpts also from her cousin, Zofia's, diary. There is a strange mixture of love and hate in their relationship. Sometimes I got so angry at Zofia; however she does manage to protect and save Anna Maria life. It is a story of love, romance, intrigue (for Anna becomes politically involved with the Poles who want to keep the freedom that the country has obtained), and also suspense. I love how Anna becomes her own woman, and though she endures hardships maintains her love of country and the man she will someday marry. My neighbor lent me this book and said that if I Loved Historical fiction...I would LOVE this book!! She was so right!! This is an EPIC historical saga about the survival and transformation of one woman in a time of violent change!!! In grand romantic style, it has been compared to "Gone with the Wind" and "Doctor Zhivago!" I devoured this book at breakneck speed only to be left wanting more at the end! Thank Goodness James Martin wrote "Against A Crimson Sky" to follow this compelling story!
What do You think about Nie Ponaglaj Rzeki (2000)?
This was a good read. A good beach read - lots of drama, but it's not going to change your life.
—Navin
I couldn't put this one down. Very similar to the Mistress of the Revolution without the gore.
—MaxTyler
Loved it! Got totally caught up in it! Don't let the scary Polish names scare you.
—aussieripley
