Thanks to Amazon for this specially priced book.This book began like historical romance. One or two friends kept me reading, and for that I am thankful. Through Anna's diaries, the reader is taken to the latter part of the 18th century when Poland and other countries were in revolt. In France and the North American British colonies, especially, the reader sees the decline of aristocratic governments, the rise of a middle class and a purvey of World War I. Poland has had the misfortune of being partitioned by her neighbors more than her fair share of times. The partitioners have never killed Polish pride, customs, language, or the sense of nationality. There is another book to follow the present one which I look forward to reading. The author's mechanics of good writing were excellent. The main characters, women all, spent too much time re-hashing the same events. How does a male author write like he understands women? Could it be called the mystery of swapped sensibilities? I was utterly amazed about the author's knowledge of the pain women endure in childbirth and about the hand squeeze. How did he know that with every pain that laboring lady will be squeezing the blood out of someone else's hand. The harder the pain, the harder the squeeze. How did he know that in frank labor the pain is of an intensity never felt before? For his 'knowing how women are,' I gave him the fourth star.Thank you, Mr. Martin, for a Good Read. I really wanted to like this book. It had an interesting perspective on a time period in Polish history filled with upheaval (based on an actual diary), and epic events with a myriad of characters. I should have loved this book. What killed it for me was that the main characters were not as multi-faceted as the surrounding events. "Saint" Anna could do no wrong - everyone loved her, or was in love with her, or couldn't believe how beautiful she was, or kind, or brave, etc.... (she definitely was the author's favorite character) - even when she was being a tad bit on the judgmental or stupid side herself. It was a bit tiring, especially since I didn't think she was that great. Then her cousin, Zofia, was evil incarnate - even when her dubiously moral choices actually ended up saving her family's lives. Zofia was the better developed, more interesting, character, but the author had to keep reminding us how appallingly corrupt she was and how we're definitely not supposed to like her. Again, very annoying. I guess I like it better when the author develops the characters, keeps his opinions to himself, and allows me to form my own judgements.
What do You think about Push Not The River (2000)?
Very interesting story, but there's some pretty risque content.
—denny
Captivating history with an unforgettable love story.
—veturo
