Winter's Day in 1939

by Melinda Szymanik

Taken from their home, forced to leave their country, put to work in labour camps, frozen and starved, Adam and his family doubt that they will ever make it out alive. Even if they were to get away, they might freeze to death, or starve, or the bears might get them. For the Polish refugees, the whole of the USSR becomes a prison from which there is seemingly no escape.

Genres: War, Historical Fiction, World War II, Middle Grade, Historical

288 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2013

About the author

I write for young adults, children of all ages and have published novels, picture books and have short stories in anthologies and educational publications. My sophisticated picture book 'Fuzzy Doodle' (Scholastic, 2016), was a 2017 Storylines Notable book, finalist in the 2017 NZ Children's and Young Adults Book Awards and a 2017 White Raven selection. My historical mid grade children's novel, 'A Winter's Day in 1939' (Scholastic) was a 2014 Storylines Notable book and won Librarian's Choice at the 2014 LIANZA Awards. My 2008 picture book The Were-Nana was voted Children's Choice at the 2009 NZ Post Children's Book Awards.

Reviews

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the book "A Winters Day in 1939" because I needed a book to read and Melinda is my Mum's friend. I didn't expect to read such a great book from someone that I know quite well. I don't know how famous an author she is but she should be up there with J.K. Rowling in a few years.

The category that this book ticks off is 'A book written in 2012 or 2013'. This was a hard category to find a book because there are obviously fewer books that have been published. It made it interesting to know how authors are writing books these days.

My favourite character in the book is a young boy called Adam. He is playing the role of Melinda's Dad's experiences in the Second World War. Adam is about my age in the book which means I know how hard it would feel to go through all the experiences that he has endured throughout the book. He is very mature and very likeable.

My very favourite quote from the book is "I wish Christmas was every day". At Christmas the family don't get presents because they aren't as lucky as other families. They just have a big meal and spend time with each other. I find it quite sad how all a little girl is asking for is to spend time with one another. It shows that she isn't spoilt too.

In the book the family had to move to lots of places and they also lost a few family members. In the end it all worked out for them, so what I have learned from reading this book is to never give up because it can only get better. I really enjoyed the book and I recommend it to anyone who wants to read a good book.

[K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trigger warnings: war, antisemitism, death of a child, death of a sibling, death of an infant, disappearance of a parent, hospitalisation, animal death

Look, this is inspired by the author's father's experiences as a child during World War II, so I feel kind of bad criticising it. And I *will* say that it was definitely an eye opening read as far as the experiences of Polish civilians go - Adam's father fought against the Russians during the Bolshevik War, so when Russia invaded Eastern Poland, the entire family were shipped off to a labour camp.

I knew nothing about that aspect of WWII, so it was an interesting read from that perspective.

But.

I feel like this would have worked better as nonfiction where you have the ability to expand on the father's experiences and the reasons WHY they were sent to a labour camp rather than some of the more day to day experiences - the "what will we eat? I want a pet rabbit! We're on a train again" aspects of the story. Add in the fact that in the course of a less than 300 page book, they go from Eastern Poland to Northern Russia to what's now Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan into what's now Iran, and I just wanted more detail about all of that side of the story.

Especially when then, almost as an afterthought, you get a single page epilogue that's clearly continuing Adam's story in the same way her father's story played out and it's all "Adam ends up with the Junior Polish Army in Palestine then moved to England after the war, then moved to New Zealand in the 1950s" and I wanted more about all of THAT as well.

So yeah. I understand that a biography wouldn't have hit the same audience that this is intended for. But I feel like it would have told the story in a much more interesting way. Either that, or it needed to be at least another hundred pages in length to properly flesh out the story.

[Lily Szymanik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so lucky to have Andrzej as my dziadzio <3

[Victoria Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, I don't know why I didn't stop reading this right from the first "interesting" event. Right through the book I felt like I was missing important time in between events. At the very beginning, they hear a banging outside, and they're scared. The next line is about their dad joining the army. Where was the explanation in between? Not for my sake, but I'd like to read the kids reactions.
Then there was Adam. The author of this book is very obviously a woman. Adam reads like a girl. I got a shock every time someone said "he", because Adam did nothing that made him seem boyish. I don't know what it was exactly, I think it was just the author not being able to write as another genre.
The plot of the book was pretty slow. They travelled, they starved, they whined (rightfully, don't worry!), then they travelled, then starved and on and on. Barely anything else happened the entire book. I would forgive Szymanik if it made me feel sorry for them, but I felt nothing. Not an iota of caring for the family. Maybe general sadness, but for everyone in their situation.
My next problem is smaller, but still annoying. The father always called his wife Mama. She didn't have a name until soldiers needed to talk about her. Why? Why did he do that??
The only reason this isn't one star is because I didn't know anything about Russian camps before this. I'd heard of them, of course, but never read about them. So despite this being such a disappointing read, I learned a lot

[Kasia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy from first-reads giveaway.
As a Pole, I can relate to many issues concerned in the book. We read books similar to that one in school and make such stories part of our national identity.
I liked it, it is well-written and what was particularly appealing for me was the use of polish words such as 'kochanie'.

[Adele Broadbent · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Winter’s Day tells a different story of WWII. The Polish lost their homes, their country, and many their lives. The Russians took them prisoner but then freed them to fight alongside them. They were a misplaced race, sent from place to place as the Russians decided where to send them.

I enjoyed reading (and learning) about the plight of the Polish in this terrible time in history.

[Marta Pi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't really like this book... To start off there is no "cocia" in Polish, it's "ciocia". It felt weird to see the spelling mistake pop up regularly and made me wonder what else was "lost in translation" as the story was told from person to person. I wished there was more substance and depth to this. Rather than seeing it through the eyes of a child who doesn't seem to understand much about what is happening and is either hungry or travelling or sad because another person lost their life, it would be more interesting if the main character had more insight or if more was explained. He is supposedly 12 but sounds much younger and the narrative does not get more mature as the years pass. Things happen to him and he doesn't seem to be doing anything, he is just a witness to the events. His Father who does do things and makes decisions is a character who doesn't like to talk much or explain. Maybe true to facts, but not too exciting for the reader. I also wished there were more of those background inserts in italic that explained what was actually happening in the war and why. Furthermore I disliked how the story jumps between events, some don't get a proper conclusion, then we are in the middle of a conversation and only after a few lines you figure out what had happened and what is happening now.

[Isa Rive · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informed by the authors family history of the trials of war and shifting borders. This harrowing story follows the internment of a polish family in a Soviet prison camp and afterwards their life as refugees during the shifting power balance within WW2. Told through the voice of 12 year old Adam, we are exposed to the terrible hardships and loss in a sympathetic and measured way. This grim story reveals the traumatic outcomes for ordinary people and is especially heartbreaking given the invasion of the Ukraine by Russia at present. 😢

[Natalie Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

After meeting the author, this became a must read out of our school shared novel sets. Well written and easy to read the journey of Adam is eye opening to a side of the war we never heard about. This book is definitely one for a school novel study set. Loved it.

[Elizna · Rating 5 out of 5]

On my edge reading this and had me in tears at a few places. This book was fantastic to read to see what it really was like foe people in the camps during those times.

[Catherine Mayo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic read - a real page turner. Melinda has taken an amazing piece of her family history and fictionalised it, creating a powerful and emotional story for pre-teens that is impossible to put down.

Adam, the narrator, is a twelve-year-old Polish boy growing up on a farm in western Ukraine. Adam’s family have been settled here in a deliberate attempt by the Polish government to make their annexed part of the Ukraine more “Polish”. So, when the Russians invade in 1939, in response to Hitler’s advance eastwards, Adam’s father is one of the first to lose his farm and livestock.

The family find refuge with an elderly couple. Adam is in shock – he has lost his home, his friends and community, his schooling and his dreams for the future. But much worse is to follow. Early one bitter winter’s morning there’s a hammering on the door. The family have an hour to pack whatever they can carry. Luckily they have the presence of mind to take warm bedding and clothes, for they are being transported far up into Russia, to work and survive as best they can as prisoners in a forced labour camp.

The conditions are harsh, and Adam and his family are lucky to survive. Then, by yet another toss of the political coin, Russia and Germany fall out. Polish citizens are no longer enemies of the Russian state. But by a strange twist, it is Britain who lays claim to the 1.6 million Poles trapped in the camps. As prisoners or refugees, the Poles - to the Russians - mean mouths to feed. To the British, the Polish men mean potential soldiers who can protect British interests in, of all places, the Middle East …

Where? Why? How? These are big questions which Adam struggles to find answers for.

The Russians are quick to put the Poles onto trains. Adam and his family, loaded yet again into what are little more than cattle trucks, are sent from one end of the USSR to the other, from north of St Petersburg all the way south to Tashkent, from searing cold to equally searing heat.

From there they are taken to the Caspian Sea, but not before the family is broken up. Adam’s mother dies before they can be reunited. By then Adam knows that the most important thing of all, greater than possessions or a house or schooling or even dreams, is family.

The book ends before we know whether Adam��s father or brother, enlisted in the Polish army-in-exile, will survive the war, or what will happen to Adam or his sister Zofia. Fortunately Szymanik has supplied a postscript which describes how they fared later.

The writing is assured and polished, Szymanik has researched the period thoroughly and used telling and vivid detail to bring the characters and their setting to life. A book I thoroughly recommend.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

During World War 2, 1.6 million Poles were taken from their homes and deported to Soviet labour camps. Among them were New Zealand author Melinda Syzmanik’s father and his family. Melinda’s latest novel for older children, 'A Winter’s Day in 1939', is based on her father’s experiences at the hands of the Red Army.

Twelve-year-old Adam, who narrates the story, is above all stoic, never dwelling for too long on the family’s misfortune, but rather focusing on survival. He finds the strength to deal with extreme cold, hunger and deprivation, as the family is moved again and again, almost randomly, across thousands of miles. A map at the front of the book shows the vast distances involved, travelled in railway wagons hardly fit for cattle; by foot, boat, horse and cart, the refugees never knowing what lay ahead.

Adam understands that being buffeted by wars over parcels of land is nothing new for the Poles. At one point he decides, oh well, the Soviets are probably a better bet than the Germans. Later on in the story, when he talks of returning to his homeland, he’s told it no longer exists: ‘It’s full of labour camps’.

Adam is a touching mixture of pragmatism and sensitivity. While getting on with the job of helping his family survive, he recognizes that the Soviet soldiers are probably having a hard time too, and that many are barely older than he is. He relates to animals encountered along the way: he does his best to save a baby rabbit and feeds precious crumbs to a mouse that he never sees; later, as he inevitably toughens up, he mourns, yet understands, when a crow attacks his new lizard friend.

'A Winter’s Day in 1939' manages to be both moving and uplifting. The author skillfully steers the reader away from dwelling on the sheer awfulness of war, instead showing us how strength of spirit, family ties and love can help people deal with extreme hardship. And as a Brit, it was heartwarming to read that, when the family was finally taken under the wing of the British Army, they were given chocolate.

Highly recommended reading for children aged 8–12, and young adults.

[Pacyfa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book targets younger audience and as such it has to be read with this fully in mind. It is a true story of survival told through the eyes of 12 year old boy. I believe it was based on true story and it is fascinating to read about this not so well known part of the history.

Russia invaded Poland 17 days after Germany invaded Poland starting the second world war. Poland was cut in two, with civilians who trying to escape the oncoming war stuck with no place to escape to, enemies on both sides. This part of history was never acknowledged by history books in post war Poland under communist rule; it was our grandmas and grandpas who taught the new generation on what actually took place. People who went through the Russian aggression were never recognised, never remembered; they made they way (those lucky to survive) to every country in the world and some if not most, never had the opportunity to come back to Poland after second world war. The onset of communism took that chance away.

Every book that tells historically suppressed stories should be celebrated, all have the right to tell their stories, right to be heard.

This is an important book, I hope it gets a print in Poland.

I had few issues with the book itself, I thought that the narrative was quite flat and rather descriptive at times. I wish it had secondary characters who could enrich it. I think the pace was also an issue, the constant movement of the characters from one place to another did not allow me to paint the pictures in my mind.

Saying that I have to remember that this is told by 12 year old boy and probably targets such audience and therefore in the end I feel like it was a good book and important one.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have left it a few days to write my review of this book since rereading it. This is a worthy nomination in the Junior Fiction section of the New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards, and not just because it is about a topic worthy of knowing more about.

As I read, I couldn't help thinking about 'The Endless Steppe' by Esther Hautzig. The vivid picture Hautzig drew of her family's exile to Siberia, is still as clear to me as when I read it many, many years ago. To me, 'A Winter's Day in 1939' is a perfect stepping stone towards this more confronting and harsh representation of a perspectives of WW2 which can be forgotten.

There is a ring of sincerity, since the story is based on the author's father's experiences during the war. However, this also has the impact of creating a slight distance, I felt. Since the book is aimed at the 8-12yr old group, I don't think that is too much of a problem.

I felt that maps might have been a useful addition to the book, since there was so much moving around. I know that my history loving son would have very much enjoyed that as an addition to the book.

Several of the children in my class have read this book and recommended it to other readers, which I take as a very positive sign.

[Aubrie Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A winters day in 1939 is a very good and well written book. I think that the writing style that Melinda used was very effective and captivating when it came to the end of each chapter. Something that I really loved about the book was how dramatic the events were. In the book, the main character is a 13yr old boy, called Adam. He lives in Poland and when the war broke out he got forced to move to other countries to be safe. Leaving most of his possessions behind he finds himself at a concentration camp where his older family members have to work for there survival. Many concentration camps later, he finally breaks free and is able to fly out of his latest home. But he wasn't completely free. He had a delegated home waiting for him and it wasn't much different from the camps. At their new home they live life and struggle to keep alive. months later he gets forced to leave his mother behind because she is ill and is taken away. in the end his mother dies and he gets reunited with his father. Overall this is a good book and I really enjoyed it.

[Lorraine Orman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book in two days, unable to stop thinking about the heartrending experiences of the Polish family avicted from their farm in 1939. It's all the more memorable because it's true - it's based on Melinda's father's life. I hope lots of teens will read it - and not just New Zealand teens - because it will help them understand what real hardship and deprivation is all about. It's humbling to sit down at dinnertime to eat a plate of nourishing food having just read that Adam and his family had to eat dandelions and cottonseed husks - or starve to death. This isn't just something we can relegate to the past - it happened within living memory. The characters are vivid, the tension never flags, and the author makes the traumatic events all the more powerful with a deft, pitch-perfect style. This is a must-read!

[D.C. Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy Melinda's books and this was no exception. A poignant story of a Polish boy Adam who, together with his family, is forced to leave their farm and are taken to a prison camp in Russia. He handles each change in circumstance pragmatically and with strong resolution to survive even as others succumb. At times it is a distrubing read, reminding us that there were other camps in Europe besides the concentration camps in Germany and that war deeply affects the most vulnerable - the children. I was very involved with Adam's journey and felt that the book ended too soon. There seemed to be more story to tell (evidenced by the postscript) so I'm hoping that Melinda is planning a sequel.

[Stephen Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t be put off by the bleak title; this book is a real gem. Based on the experiences of the author’s father during World War II, the story tells of twelve year old Adam and his family; forced to leave their home in Poland by the Russians. At first the family are transported under terrible conditions to a prison camp in a remote part of the Soviet Union. For the next few years of the war they are tested by harsh conditions and moved on from place to place by the Russian authorities. Szymanik handles this potentially distressing tale with a delicate and insightful touch. An excellent historical story for independent young readers, or perhaps read-aloud from about 9 years and up.

[Isabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to read this book because I heard about it on the radio and it sounded good. This book fits into the category 'A book that teaches you about another time in history' because it is about a boys life during the war. I found it interesting to hear about this time because it was a very real experience I never had. There were no quotes in this book. I learned a lot from this book about the experience of living with a war going on around you. The realisation of the things these people went through was interesting but very sad. I admire Adam for persevering in tough conditions and not giving up hope.

[georgiabread · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was VERY good. So....captivating. I loved every character and was just drawn in.

13-year-old Adam is living with his family on a farm in Poland, in 1939. When Russians invade and force Adam's family from their home, they are sent to live with another family. But then they are moved on and sent to work in a Russian labour camp. And thus sets off a great adventure of survival, hope, courage and love as Adam struggles to survive the camp and the outside world.

So, a very good book. I was very happy that I chose this book. I really want to read it again but there would be no more 'magic'.

[Nova · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Polish family is kicked out of their home as the Germans have invaded and want their home and farm. So begins a time of uncertainty. Eventually they are sent to a Russian work camp and as the tide of war changes, these Poles become a 'problem' and nobody knows what to do with them. They are put on long train journeys with no clear destination in mind. Families are split, starvation and disease are rife. This story is told through the eyes of young Adam who has to take on the role of 'man-of-the-house' when his father and older brother join the army, and takes on the responsibility of keeping his family together.

[Maria Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and had to read it in two sittings (finishing 1am). It is the story of a young boy's epic journey with his family across Poland into Russia. The family are sent from work camp to work camp. When Germany declares war on Russia - the people who have imprisoned them (Russians) then encourage the men to fight for them. The young boy stays behind with his mother and sister, helping to find food and trudging the miles until they reach their journey's end. What makes this story so poignant is that it is the author's father's story. Highly recommended!

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great read. I can see junior secondary students who have enjoyed The Boy in Striped Pyjamas moving along to this. The fact that it is based on a true story gives it more resonance than many other war stories. Good writing, a good gritty story and the map at the front is a great idea, I traced Adam and his family all along it and it really bought home the distances they had travelled in such miserable conditions. Recommended reading for secondary school librarians.

[Katie Furze · Rating 5 out of 5]

This WW2 tale of Polish refugees shunted across thousands of miles at the whim of army generals is fascinating reading. It's told through the eyes of 12 year old Adam, a character based on the author's father. I felt compelled to keep reading to learn what happened to Adam and his family, who felt like real people to me. I think children will enjoy and learn a lot from this book.

[NZBook Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written book sharing a very personal picture of a piece of history that I hadn't known much about before. The characters were real, tough and fragile all at once. Highly recommended and an excellent way to learn about history.

[Karen Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this from a Goodreads giveaway.
A moving story, I have to admit I was not aware that the Polish endured such hardship during the wartime.
I think this is a valuable insight into these difficult times.

[Tania Hutley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Winter's Day in 1939 is an excellent read and a fascinating account of real events during WW2. I really enjoyed reading a true-life story so vividly and accurately depicted. Recommeneded!

[Gillian Torckler · Rating 3 out of 5]

here's my official review of this book:
https://booksellersnz.wordpress.com/2...

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and tragic story, based on fact. Recommend for all ages.

[MsHunt Hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple story without a lot of elaboration or description. Of course it's sad (refugees in WWII) but it didn't truly touch the heart strings.