What do you think?
Rate this book
Recollection of a Journey
Poland 1939. It is the Russian occupation, not the German invasion, which destroys the aristocratic Kolbeck family. In 1940, they and hundreds of thousands of Poles are driven like cattle into the wastes of Siberia where they are forced to labor in the cause of 'democracy'. Stephanie's husband offended the tiles of blood and class when he brought her into the Kolbeck family. Now she has to fend for herself amongst people who not only consider her an inferior, but harbor a secret about her past which they cannot reveal. During the horrific journey from Siberia to the northern borders of Persia, Stephanie loses nearly all those she loves, including three baby sons; and discovers the true meaning of being polish - and a Kolbeck.
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1973
4 people want to read
About the author
R.C. Hutchinson
16 books5 followersRay Coryton Hutchinson was a best-selling British novelist. His 1975 novel Rising was short-listed for the Booker Prize.
He was born in Finchley, Middlesex and educated at Monkton Combe School, near Bath. He received his BA at Oriel College, Oxford in 1927 and joined the advertising department at Colman's in Norwich. He married Margaret Owen Jones in April 1929.
His first novel, Thou Hast a Devil, was published in 1930. It was followed by The Answering Glory (1932), and The Unforgotten Prisoner (1933), which sold 150,000 copies in the first month. Subsequent novels also sold very well and in 1935 he left Colman's to begin writing full-time.
In March 1940 he joined the army, and in July was posted as captain in the 8th Battalion of the Buffs Regiment. He travelled widely during the war, while continuing to write. In October 1945, after preparing the official history of the Paiforce campaign, he was demobilized with the rank of Major.
After the war he wrote many more successful novels, often recommended by book clubs. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in June 1962.
He died before completing the last chapter of his novel, Rising (1975). It was published in September of the same year and short-listed for the Booker Prize in November.
His published work comprises 17 novels and 28 short stories, as well as one play, Last Train South (1938).
He was born in Finchley, Middlesex and educated at Monkton Combe School, near Bath. He received his BA at Oriel College, Oxford in 1927 and joined the advertising department at Colman's in Norwich. He married Margaret Owen Jones in April 1929.
His first novel, Thou Hast a Devil, was published in 1930. It was followed by The Answering Glory (1932), and The Unforgotten Prisoner (1933), which sold 150,000 copies in the first month. Subsequent novels also sold very well and in 1935 he left Colman's to begin writing full-time.
In March 1940 he joined the army, and in July was posted as captain in the 8th Battalion of the Buffs Regiment. He travelled widely during the war, while continuing to write. In October 1945, after preparing the official history of the Paiforce campaign, he was demobilized with the rank of Major.
After the war he wrote many more successful novels, often recommended by book clubs. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in June 1962.
He died before completing the last chapter of his novel, Rising (1975). It was published in September of the same year and short-listed for the Booker Prize in November.
His published work comprises 17 novels and 28 short stories, as well as one play, Last Train South (1938).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
September 16, 2012
I thought this was absolutely superb. Totally gripping. Beautifully written, and about one of the most ignored issues of the twentieth century.
Displaying 1 of 1 review