Joan L. (silverlakelady) - , reviewed A Long, Long Time Ago and Essentially True on + 13 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book was suggested by a member of our bookclub who is Polish. She became interested in this book because it takes place in Poland. What a find! Two stories were woven together beautifully. The first story seemed like a fairy tale while the second was in real time. The author melded the stories so that the real story was revealed. Our bookclub enjoyed this book very much!
Valerie S. (VolunteerVal) -
This novel is a full immersion in Polish culture. I married into a Polish family (my husband is a first generation American whose parents were born and raised in Poland) so I read this book with interest in its interpretation of all things Polish. I thoroughly enjoyed the plentiful use of Polish words, a few of which are part my vocabulary. Two stories are featured: the first, written as a fairy tale, takes place at the beginning of WWII; the second takes place in the 1990s. I didn't see the connection between them until more than halfway through the book.
As in any good book, this story included sacrifice, adversity and triumphs (however small). I especially liked that it featured a Polish Catholic family. Until recently, it seems every novel featuring Poland focused on Jewish characters. There's nothing wrong with that, but not every Pole is Jewish. I also enjoyed the cover illustration with its nods to various aspects of the story.
As in any good book, this story included sacrifice, adversity and triumphs (however small). I especially liked that it featured a Polish Catholic family. Until recently, it seems every novel featuring Poland focused on Jewish characters. There's nothing wrong with that, but not every Pole is Jewish. I also enjoyed the cover illustration with its nods to various aspects of the story.
Wonderful story about family, love and survival. Told through the eyes of 2 women, one in 1990's Poland and one in 1940's Poland. The story weaves together life's hardships, mysteries and magic. You feel so strongly for the characters and the horrible changes they go through. Yet, through it all family and love prevail.
