The author’s genealogical research led him to create this historic-fictional timeline about his family in Prussian-dominated Poland. Walenty Karnowski, his great-grandfather, evaded his research; so Schmidt decided to weave his tale around a fictional account of Walenty’s birth. The details about the time are interesting; the book invites you to imagine living in both a Catholic and a Jewish mid-1800’s household. The parents’ reactions and motivations draw the reader into the difficult life of Marta, the unwed mother. The differences in the social classes, the details of the religious-based holidays are interesting; the Polish phrases and customs acted as a pleasant reminder for my Polish family members.
Tales of the supernatural are popular. However, Schmidt’s description of devil worship and possession is unsettling because of its presence in such a small town, agricultural setting. The inclusion of long passages of prayer and religious ceremony may confuse or surprise the reader.
Young adults and adults who have an interest in Polish history and the religious practices of the time period should enjoy reading this book.
Good Reads Summary
The author’s genealogical research led him to create this historic-fictional timeline about his family in Prussian-dominated Poland. Walenty Karnowski, his great-grandfather, evaded his research; so Schmidt decided to weave his tale around a fictional account of Walenty’s birth. The details about the time are interesting; the book invites you to imagine living in both a Catholic and a Jewish mid-1800’s household. The parents’ reactions and motivations draw the reader into the difficult life of Marta, the unwed mother. The differences in the social classes, the details of the religious-based holidays are interesting; the Polish phrases and customs acted as a pleasant reminder for my Polish family members.
Tales of the supernatural are popular. However, Schmidt’s description of devil worship and possession is unsettling because of its presence in such a small town, agricultural setting. The inclusion of long passages of prayer and religious ceremony may confuse or surprise the reader.
Young adults and adults who have an interest in Polish history and the religious practices of the time period should enjoy reading this book.
3 stars
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