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.
