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Zaremba, or Love and the Rule of Law
In Warsaw, a shy and high-minded polio victim lives a life of seclusion caring for her odd family until a chance encounter plunges her into the intrigues of dirty politics. Zaremba, a wealthy businessman, is about to be arrested on trumped-up charges and only she can save him. Swept along by events, Cordelia finds her feelings increasingly involved with a stranger for whom she is both rescuer and victim. When Zaremba is implicated in terrorist activities and disappears, Cordelia is painfully uncertain if she has been abandoned and must overcome surveillance, corruption, the media, and mounting humiliations and difficulties to learn the truth.
This is a story about love between a man and woman, but also love of family, country, and justice. Although set in Poland, where the CIA had a black site, it is a story that could happen anywhere, in a world where young democracies struggle against the temptations of covert operations and older democracies sometimes lead them astray.
This is a story about love between a man and woman, but also love of family, country, and justice. Although set in Poland, where the CIA had a black site, it is a story that could happen anywhere, in a world where young democracies struggle against the temptations of covert operations and older democracies sometimes lead them astray.
518 pages, Paperback
First published January 12, 2013
37 people are currently reading
5456 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Granas
5 books125 followersMichelle Granas lives in Warsaw. In addition to writing novels, she has worked as a translator, including for various international organizations, EU bodies, and high government officials. She is happy to receive correspondence or friend requests.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 1, 2018
So I've decided to finally write the review for this book. It took me a while to get to it, but it's just cause I wanted to do it justice. And not just cause of that.. I'd prefer not to write a review at all, because this is one of those books that become a personal part of you, and you don't really want to share it.
This book has been lying on my bedside table for many months - many months too long, to be honest. But it's just that the cover is so misleading.. I didn't know what was inside. A good lesson - don't judge a book by it's cover, really - don't. Having started, I instantly realized that I'm going to love it all the way, and I was already sorry to think that even though it's a thick book, it will eventually end. Perhaps it's a feminine story. Perhaps it's sentimental. And you do know how I hate all those romance stories and always try to avoid them. But this.. No. This is just warm, cozy, and perhaps just connected with my own life and feelings just enough so I wouldn't be able to put it down. Many times I caught myself thinking, hey, the main character feels exactly what I have felt! And I used to always wonder, is this just something that I sometimes think and feel..? Having read that, I know that maybe it's not me. Maybe it's just women :) not all, but at least some - if there is a person out there who wrote this and thought about this.
Anyhow, don't be mislead by the cover and the name. The story is a really warm and honest story about a really shy woman who decides to help someone who is actually very strong, but does need help - even if it's the help of a person who seems helpless herself. It's a story about believing yourself, believing others as well. And mostly.. It's a story with a good ending. Sometimes you just need a story which ends well.. Like they say - if it didn't end well - it's not the ending yet.
The cases you should read this in:
- when you need to get back your trust in life and people
- when you need something to warm you up
- when you need to be involved in what you're reading
Because I'm telling you, I picked this up when I was having the worst non-reading period in the last two years.. I used to read this on my bus trips. And I swear, there were at least 3 times when I nearly cried at the bus, at least one time when I barely remembered to get out at the right stop, and many, many times when I was annoyed that my stop is already there and now I'll have to wait several hours more to see what happens next.
The part that I loved the best was probably the fact that the characters were really fleshed out. Somehow they were.. just alive. Maybe I just really connected with them. And the style. The writing style was very honest, very natural. No funny business. And then, then there's also "Z. Devel"... I gotta say, that's.. That's a corny joke! BUT IT'S SO FUNNY!!! xDDD haha. Yeah. So basically, I loved almost everything about this book. So much that I personally thanked the writer for writing it. Read it. At least the females of the species - read it :) (yes, yes, that's a paraphrased quote from the book as well - I just noticed xD)
EDIT: I wonder if I mentioned anywhere that I received this as a Firstreads giveaway. In case I haven't, I'm mentioning it now :)
This book has been lying on my bedside table for many months - many months too long, to be honest. But it's just that the cover is so misleading.. I didn't know what was inside. A good lesson - don't judge a book by it's cover, really - don't. Having started, I instantly realized that I'm going to love it all the way, and I was already sorry to think that even though it's a thick book, it will eventually end. Perhaps it's a feminine story. Perhaps it's sentimental. And you do know how I hate all those romance stories and always try to avoid them. But this.. No. This is just warm, cozy, and perhaps just connected with my own life and feelings just enough so I wouldn't be able to put it down. Many times I caught myself thinking, hey, the main character feels exactly what I have felt! And I used to always wonder, is this just something that I sometimes think and feel..? Having read that, I know that maybe it's not me. Maybe it's just women :) not all, but at least some - if there is a person out there who wrote this and thought about this.
Anyhow, don't be mislead by the cover and the name. The story is a really warm and honest story about a really shy woman who decides to help someone who is actually very strong, but does need help - even if it's the help of a person who seems helpless herself. It's a story about believing yourself, believing others as well. And mostly.. It's a story with a good ending. Sometimes you just need a story which ends well.. Like they say - if it didn't end well - it's not the ending yet.
The cases you should read this in:
- when you need to get back your trust in life and people
- when you need something to warm you up
- when you need to be involved in what you're reading
Because I'm telling you, I picked this up when I was having the worst non-reading period in the last two years.. I used to read this on my bus trips. And I swear, there were at least 3 times when I nearly cried at the bus, at least one time when I barely remembered to get out at the right stop, and many, many times when I was annoyed that my stop is already there and now I'll have to wait several hours more to see what happens next.
The part that I loved the best was probably the fact that the characters were really fleshed out. Somehow they were.. just alive. Maybe I just really connected with them. And the style. The writing style was very honest, very natural. No funny business. And then, then there's also "Z. Devel"... I gotta say, that's.. That's a corny joke! BUT IT'S SO FUNNY!!! xDDD haha. Yeah. So basically, I loved almost everything about this book. So much that I personally thanked the writer for writing it. Read it. At least the females of the species - read it :) (yes, yes, that's a paraphrased quote from the book as well - I just noticed xD)
EDIT: I wonder if I mentioned anywhere that I received this as a Firstreads giveaway. In case I haven't, I'm mentioning it now :)
May 15, 2013
I loved the descriptions of all the characters, especially Cordelia and Zaremba. The dialogue between them is what made the book. I was afraid when it seemed the story was coming to an end....but I was only halfway through the book! I just knew that it would drag on and I would end up hating it by the end. However, it turns out that there's two parts to the books and each is its own story. It could technically be two separate books, but it does work better as one book with two parts.
I also found the subject content to be interesting. Especially after recently reading an "alternate" version of the Boston bombings where the military sends in drones to eliminate the remaining bomber, but kills several citizens in the process. We would be shocked if that happened in America, but that stuff happens all the time in other countries when the U.S. eliminates "threats." I'm no expert, but it wouldn't surprise me if the kind of behavior of the CIA that is present in this book truly happens in other countries.
The love story is what resonated with me, but there's action and politics (don't worry, it isn't overwhelming!) and morals as well so this story will be interesting to a wide range of readers. Cordelia's character is amazing and I was glad to have a main character with good values. I highly recommend this book!
I also found the subject content to be interesting. Especially after recently reading an "alternate" version of the Boston bombings where the military sends in drones to eliminate the remaining bomber, but kills several citizens in the process. We would be shocked if that happened in America, but that stuff happens all the time in other countries when the U.S. eliminates "threats." I'm no expert, but it wouldn't surprise me if the kind of behavior of the CIA that is present in this book truly happens in other countries.
The love story is what resonated with me, but there's action and politics (don't worry, it isn't overwhelming!) and morals as well so this story will be interesting to a wide range of readers. Cordelia's character is amazing and I was glad to have a main character with good values. I highly recommend this book!
February 23, 2014
Part love story, part road-trip, part mystery novel, Zaremba's story is essentially a story of the terrible potential consequences of unchecked state power on otherwise detached individuals, minding their own business. The writer, Michelle Granas, centres her plot around two realities of Poland in the recent past, the vengeful excesses of the Law and Justice Party rule and the secretive operations of the CIA in Poland. The two characters suffering from these powers are Zaremba, a street-smart businessman, together with the morally uncompromising Cordelia, a disabled lady. Together, the duo manage to turn the tables despite all odds.
The book raises important questions: Is it really possible to completely make power accountable? Is winning over the media the only way to wage a battle today? Once Zaremba says that the tactics of the Law and Justice Party is popular with the rural unsophisticated voters. Aren't we hearing the same things in Thailand from the yellow shirts or in India from the supporters of BJP? Do the elite prefer democracy only when it suits them?
The characters are drawn out well. The dialogues are sharp at turns. And some moments are highly creative: Cordelia's brother taking pictures of the paparazzi non-stop that forces them to give up and run away. However, the entire novel could have been shortened to fasten the pace. A few coincidences are not too convincing.
While the Law and Justice Party was duly thrown out in the elections, the CIA operations in Poland have been skilfully hidden under the carpet. Zaremba gives a powerful knock on our conscience to not let go.
The book raises important questions: Is it really possible to completely make power accountable? Is winning over the media the only way to wage a battle today? Once Zaremba says that the tactics of the Law and Justice Party is popular with the rural unsophisticated voters. Aren't we hearing the same things in Thailand from the yellow shirts or in India from the supporters of BJP? Do the elite prefer democracy only when it suits them?
The characters are drawn out well. The dialogues are sharp at turns. And some moments are highly creative: Cordelia's brother taking pictures of the paparazzi non-stop that forces them to give up and run away. However, the entire novel could have been shortened to fasten the pace. A few coincidences are not too convincing.
While the Law and Justice Party was duly thrown out in the elections, the CIA operations in Poland have been skilfully hidden under the carpet. Zaremba gives a powerful knock on our conscience to not let go.
May 17, 2013
A debut novel from author Michelle Granas which, once I'd got used to the wonderful but highly implausible idea of thirty plus polio survivor Cordelia with her withered leg and hand as the most unlikeliest of action heroines ...... ever, I quite enjoyed.
Though essentially a story of politics played dirty, of corruption in high places, of the abuse of power, if like me you aren't a huge fan of this genre please don't dismiss this quirky novel out of hand as Zeremba has much more to offer.
A story of relationships - I did enjoy the contrast between Cordelia's highly academical, Shakespeare quoting, father and her 'mentally absent' mother, between Cordelia with her unshakable honesty and Zaremba whose own honesty wasn't always so evident - at the heart of which is a tender (and thankfully non-soppy) love story.
At times a bit far-fetched and perhaps at over 500 pages a tad too long but, worth persevering with, this is a novel for those who enjoy strong (and generally eccentric) characters and good character development.
Copyright: Petty Witter @ Pen and Paper.
Though essentially a story of politics played dirty, of corruption in high places, of the abuse of power, if like me you aren't a huge fan of this genre please don't dismiss this quirky novel out of hand as Zeremba has much more to offer.
A story of relationships - I did enjoy the contrast between Cordelia's highly academical, Shakespeare quoting, father and her 'mentally absent' mother, between Cordelia with her unshakable honesty and Zaremba whose own honesty wasn't always so evident - at the heart of which is a tender (and thankfully non-soppy) love story.
At times a bit far-fetched and perhaps at over 500 pages a tad too long but, worth persevering with, this is a novel for those who enjoy strong (and generally eccentric) characters and good character development.
Copyright: Petty Witter @ Pen and Paper.
July 22, 2013
It's rare to find a book to whole-heartedly recommend. The outstanding quality of Zaremba, or Love and the Rule of Law is its charm and warmth. From the moment it began I enjoyed the setting and all the characters. The first half of the book involves a political situation in Poland, but then the second half brings in the interference of the CIA. I might have thought this far-fetched at one time, but now such events are in the news. The book is not a political thriller, however. It's more for people who like an older type of English novel, with an emphasis on the characters and the location. I loved it.
May 25, 2014
Novel received courtesy of the author, review was optional
I enjoyed this novel immensely! "Zaremba" is a novel of political intrigue as well as a love story. Cordelia meets Darek Zaremba briefly when she applies for a job with his development company. Because the Polish government is so full of corruption, Zaremba is accused of bribing an official as part of a business deal. By this time Cordelia and Zaremba are in love and he is in hiding at her family home. Her family is eccentric and complicated but Zaremba moves right in and begins to make Cordelia's life a bit easier.
As the political intrigue continues for Zaremba, the CIA becomes interested in him. He has sold some land for development to two Muslim men and all three become targets of the CIA. When Zaremba and the Muslim men are kidnapped by the CIA, Zaremba manages to escape. His goal then is to free the men and expose the Polish government for allowing the Americans to use his country for illegal detainment and questioning of Polish citizens and foreign businessmen.
This is a novel that I would highly recommend. It contains plenty of action and drama, political intrigue, eccentric characters and a love story. It is well-written and researched. I feel as though I learned a bit about Poland and the pains the government there is experiencing. Definitely a "good read"!
I enjoyed this novel immensely! "Zaremba" is a novel of political intrigue as well as a love story. Cordelia meets Darek Zaremba briefly when she applies for a job with his development company. Because the Polish government is so full of corruption, Zaremba is accused of bribing an official as part of a business deal. By this time Cordelia and Zaremba are in love and he is in hiding at her family home. Her family is eccentric and complicated but Zaremba moves right in and begins to make Cordelia's life a bit easier.
As the political intrigue continues for Zaremba, the CIA becomes interested in him. He has sold some land for development to two Muslim men and all three become targets of the CIA. When Zaremba and the Muslim men are kidnapped by the CIA, Zaremba manages to escape. His goal then is to free the men and expose the Polish government for allowing the Americans to use his country for illegal detainment and questioning of Polish citizens and foreign businessmen.
This is a novel that I would highly recommend. It contains plenty of action and drama, political intrigue, eccentric characters and a love story. It is well-written and researched. I feel as though I learned a bit about Poland and the pains the government there is experiencing. Definitely a "good read"!
March 12, 2017
Zaremba (whose first name is rarely used), is a businessman in Poland in around 2007. Through two very different events, he meets Cordelia, (whose last name is rarely used). Their qualities are very different, he a robust, outgoing successful man who is soon facing difficulties with the political infrastructure, she, a physically disabled homebody of meek means and conservative lifestyle. They do share several things, among them a reluctance to express their genuine emotions and a strong core of integrity. They are also both multi-lingual, communicating in both Polish and English.
The second meeting between Zaremba and Cordelia is unplanned but ends up linking them together. Innuendo propels Cordelia to keep Zaremba at arm's length, and for a time, she succeeds emotionally at that, but circumstances bring them together more and more. From there, things get compelling and more than a little dangerous, with unknown adversaries, but likely at least some of whom are associated with one government or another. Saying more would be revealing too much about this very enjoyable read. The language and frequent quotations add to its depth, the two main characters are complex and easy to relate to, the story nicely paced. I've already recommended it to someone I think will enjoy it, and I think that you, reader, will, too.
The second meeting between Zaremba and Cordelia is unplanned but ends up linking them together. Innuendo propels Cordelia to keep Zaremba at arm's length, and for a time, she succeeds emotionally at that, but circumstances bring them together more and more. From there, things get compelling and more than a little dangerous, with unknown adversaries, but likely at least some of whom are associated with one government or another. Saying more would be revealing too much about this very enjoyable read. The language and frequent quotations add to its depth, the two main characters are complex and easy to relate to, the story nicely paced. I've already recommended it to someone I think will enjoy it, and I think that you, reader, will, too.
May 6, 2015
This is a beautiful love story! It deals with real life & people on so many levels in modern Poland: able bodied/physically challenged; wealthy/poor; values/lack of values; law/disorder, especially in the area of politics. Many elements of Granas' novel are similar to her other book, "Swans Are Fat Too". The rather unusual relationship which develops between Cordelia & Dariusz/Darek in the midst of almost fantastical social circumstances is quite intriguing & is an eloquent demonstration of how love & the rule of law on many levels can be extremely complimentary. I look forward to more books by Michelle Granas.
March 10, 2015
Love changes everything
Cornelia may have always been content to remain unobserved. All the pity, stares and uncomfortable questions. But she would do anything for her parents, so could go for help even though she struggled. Zaremba saw past the weakened limbs and crutch to the beauty. Their love strengths not only Cornelia, but her family. The struggle with guns government agencies kept me reading. I liked the bits of Polish included.
Cornelia may have always been content to remain unobserved. All the pity, stares and uncomfortable questions. But she would do anything for her parents, so could go for help even though she struggled. Zaremba saw past the weakened limbs and crutch to the beauty. Their love strengths not only Cornelia, but her family. The struggle with guns government agencies kept me reading. I liked the bits of Polish included.
November 23, 2017
This book deserves more readers. Sort of a modern day retelling of Sleeping Beauty if you look at it from Cordelia's POV. It is a darker tale from Zaremba's side which calls to mind how people are being tried by the media here in the US these days. A darkly comic fairy tale for adults, happy ending included. I really enjoyed it.
June 24, 2013
I loved the first part of this book. It was different and intriguing with some wonderful characters. The second part left me cold. The story seemed absurd and I lost interest.
October 16, 2013
I got an email from the author some time ago, she asked me whether I’d be interested in this novel. The book seemed interesting – I was mostly intrigued by the strange incongruity between the title and the plot outline: the title sounded like that of an 18th century novel (the novels of Henry Fielding and Samuel Richardson came to my mind), but the blurb revealed that the book is set in the 21st century, and the plot seemed modern and „serious” enough. Actually – I was wondering whether it’s still possible to write serious (or let’s say: literary) fiction in the 21st century with a title like this, so I asked for a copy of the book.
So, the story of Zaremba takes place in the 2000s, in Poland. The heroine is Cordelia, an unbelievably virtuous woman of 30-odd years. She is half-invalid, so she rarely ventures outside from her secluded home, instead, she spends her time taking care of her family members who are quite out of this world and/or mentally ill. Her father is an old university professor whose conversation is almost exclusively made up of quotes from poems; her mother is seriously delusional; and her brother is a modern-day cave-dweller incapable of normal communication with people. None of them has much to do with the world outside, but later it turns out that sometimes they are capable of action when there’s a crisis.
At the beginning of the story, Cordelia accidentally meets Zaremba, a rich, mysterious and very attractive businessman. Zaremba is fleeing from the authorities who are after him – for perhaps concocted reasons. Cordelia’s family hides him, and Cordelia quickly develops a love interest in Zaremba during the days they spend together, but in the meanwhile she’s constantly fighting with her conscience because – despite her love for him – she’s not entirely sure that Zaremba is innocent, and she’s unable to really attach herself to someone who might just be guilty of some crime. Anyway, Cordelia decides to help Zaremba in his fight for the truth, and the two of them get into quite a lot of dangerous situations while they try to prove the man’s innocence.
For me, this is a very strange novel – for the reason I already hinted at before. Obviously, I’m exaggerating here, but I guess the last time someone wrote a serious novel about a disadvantaged-but-morally-impeccable heroine getting together with an impossibly-masculine-quasi-bad-guy (who may not a bad guy after all) was sometime in the 19th century. Yet, this is a very contemporary novel, not only because it was published in 2013, but also because the problems/conflicts it features are very contemporary. The main theme of the novel (besides the adventurous, sometimes funny, sometimes truly heart-wrenching story of Cordelia’s and Zaremba’s love) is the seedy side of politics in a relatively newly democratized country: there’s corruption here; there’s the deliberate misinterpretation of laws; and there are witch-hunts going on against people who happen to stand in the way of the political elite. (Zaremba is also the victim of one such witch-hunt.)
The love story reminiscent of the 19th century and the main conflict which is very much of the 21st century form a curious mixture, and I must add that there’s not a trace of postmodernism and irony here (there’s quite a lot of humor, though, of a very enjoyable kind) – so this is serious. And my mind somehow objects to this because I live in the post-postmodern age, and I’m used to books which are ironic through and through; even the realistic books I know are realistic in an ironic way. And Zaremba is definitely not ironic, and somehow the sheer seriousness of the story makes this book a bit unreal(istic) to me.
But at the same time I hugely enjoyed reading this novel, I was constantly worried about the protagonists, I was anxious about their well-being, and I kept thinking: „oh, please, let this end well”. I’m no longer much used to this feeling of involvement, but I’m happy to have experienced it again.
And anyway – perhaps this is already the post-post-postmodern era, and it’s possible again to write romantic-adventurous, let’s-fight-for-the-truth stories – seriously, and entertainingly.
So, the story of Zaremba takes place in the 2000s, in Poland. The heroine is Cordelia, an unbelievably virtuous woman of 30-odd years. She is half-invalid, so she rarely ventures outside from her secluded home, instead, she spends her time taking care of her family members who are quite out of this world and/or mentally ill. Her father is an old university professor whose conversation is almost exclusively made up of quotes from poems; her mother is seriously delusional; and her brother is a modern-day cave-dweller incapable of normal communication with people. None of them has much to do with the world outside, but later it turns out that sometimes they are capable of action when there’s a crisis.
At the beginning of the story, Cordelia accidentally meets Zaremba, a rich, mysterious and very attractive businessman. Zaremba is fleeing from the authorities who are after him – for perhaps concocted reasons. Cordelia’s family hides him, and Cordelia quickly develops a love interest in Zaremba during the days they spend together, but in the meanwhile she’s constantly fighting with her conscience because – despite her love for him – she’s not entirely sure that Zaremba is innocent, and she’s unable to really attach herself to someone who might just be guilty of some crime. Anyway, Cordelia decides to help Zaremba in his fight for the truth, and the two of them get into quite a lot of dangerous situations while they try to prove the man’s innocence.
For me, this is a very strange novel – for the reason I already hinted at before. Obviously, I’m exaggerating here, but I guess the last time someone wrote a serious novel about a disadvantaged-but-morally-impeccable heroine getting together with an impossibly-masculine-quasi-bad-guy (who may not a bad guy after all) was sometime in the 19th century. Yet, this is a very contemporary novel, not only because it was published in 2013, but also because the problems/conflicts it features are very contemporary. The main theme of the novel (besides the adventurous, sometimes funny, sometimes truly heart-wrenching story of Cordelia’s and Zaremba’s love) is the seedy side of politics in a relatively newly democratized country: there’s corruption here; there’s the deliberate misinterpretation of laws; and there are witch-hunts going on against people who happen to stand in the way of the political elite. (Zaremba is also the victim of one such witch-hunt.)
The love story reminiscent of the 19th century and the main conflict which is very much of the 21st century form a curious mixture, and I must add that there’s not a trace of postmodernism and irony here (there’s quite a lot of humor, though, of a very enjoyable kind) – so this is serious. And my mind somehow objects to this because I live in the post-postmodern age, and I’m used to books which are ironic through and through; even the realistic books I know are realistic in an ironic way. And Zaremba is definitely not ironic, and somehow the sheer seriousness of the story makes this book a bit unreal(istic) to me.
But at the same time I hugely enjoyed reading this novel, I was constantly worried about the protagonists, I was anxious about their well-being, and I kept thinking: „oh, please, let this end well”. I’m no longer much used to this feeling of involvement, but I’m happy to have experienced it again.
And anyway – perhaps this is already the post-post-postmodern era, and it’s possible again to write romantic-adventurous, let’s-fight-for-the-truth stories – seriously, and entertainingly.
September 16, 2015
I entered a number of contests on Goodreads in attempt to win Michelle Granas's novel Zaremba -- or Love and the Rule of Law because the book seemed like one that would be highly likely to prove a valuable, worthwhile read. On the other hand, I didn't expect it would be a real stand-out among novels I've read on the whole.
Eventually, when I was about to lose all hope regarding my luck in this matter and stop looking for the giveaways -- which only take a few moments to enter, I found myself the winner of a free copy(!) My reading experience was fully in keeping with the expectations stated above. This was a very worthwhile read, but you don't see me giving it a full five stars here.
This is not to say Zaremba didn't surprise me -- indeed, I was happy to find Granas's work to possess in abundance qualities that are about as rare as they are valuable. Specifically, this novel is exceptional for the depth and breadth of its wisdom and insights, which are consistently of the highest caliber and manage to be as clearly stated as they are rich and original in quality. Granas has an ability to identify and express, with outstanding precision, the heart of the matter as it were. The length of this novel raises one's suspicion, but please be assured Granas never wastes words writing prose that's stuck on the trees at the expense of a secure and direct link to a crystal-clear view of the forest.
Another really important quality of this novel for the prospective reader to consider it's nowhere near as dense a read as its length and heavy subject matter might suggest. More counterintuitively in light of the same, it is not a particularly difficult read in terms of literary style either! One can move through it at a regular, brisk pace if desired; it seems obvious to me that clarity was of paramount importance to the author. Granas never experiments with any abstract literary forms, and this text does not manifest any signs of an authorial concern with creating intricate, multi-layered prose -- even insomuch as doing so would not compromise clarity. This novel is remarkable for its style; Granas always cuts straight to the heart of the matter.
I am very impressed with this book, and I look forward to reading this novel again as well as to reading more of this author's work! Thanks for reading/skimming my thoughts. I hope they are somehow helpful.
Eventually, when I was about to lose all hope regarding my luck in this matter and stop looking for the giveaways -- which only take a few moments to enter, I found myself the winner of a free copy(!) My reading experience was fully in keeping with the expectations stated above. This was a very worthwhile read, but you don't see me giving it a full five stars here.
This is not to say Zaremba didn't surprise me -- indeed, I was happy to find Granas's work to possess in abundance qualities that are about as rare as they are valuable. Specifically, this novel is exceptional for the depth and breadth of its wisdom and insights, which are consistently of the highest caliber and manage to be as clearly stated as they are rich and original in quality. Granas has an ability to identify and express, with outstanding precision, the heart of the matter as it were. The length of this novel raises one's suspicion, but please be assured Granas never wastes words writing prose that's stuck on the trees at the expense of a secure and direct link to a crystal-clear view of the forest.
Another really important quality of this novel for the prospective reader to consider it's nowhere near as dense a read as its length and heavy subject matter might suggest. More counterintuitively in light of the same, it is not a particularly difficult read in terms of literary style either! One can move through it at a regular, brisk pace if desired; it seems obvious to me that clarity was of paramount importance to the author. Granas never experiments with any abstract literary forms, and this text does not manifest any signs of an authorial concern with creating intricate, multi-layered prose -- even insomuch as doing so would not compromise clarity. This novel is remarkable for its style; Granas always cuts straight to the heart of the matter.
I am very impressed with this book, and I look forward to reading this novel again as well as to reading more of this author's work! Thanks for reading/skimming my thoughts. I hope they are somehow helpful.
October 20, 2016
This was an interesting read. I first saw it on Goodreads, and didn't realize it was self-published until I got it. Self-published works can really be hit or miss sometimes, but in this case the text looked like it was well edited, so I wasn't constantly being distracted by typos like I am with some self-published books -- definite plus.
This book is difficult to categorize, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's sort of a love story, but also a bit of a mystery, but probably more political/social commentary in the end. I enjoyed reading a bit about a different culture, that wasn't *so* different from mine that I felt lost. Probably it's good once in a while for an American to read a story in which Americans are not the good guys. Even as an American, I didn't feel that the political commentary was unfair.
I enjoyed Cordelia's character, and even identified with her a bit, having lived overseas for a little while and been a bit sheltered myself. In the first half of the book, the focus is more on the Cordelia/Zaremba story, while the second half is more political intrigue. In the beginning I thought I saw a few parallels between their story and Jane Eyre, one of my favorite novels, in the way the two met and their difference in social status.
Overall though, I felt the love story lacked something. We hear several times about the fact that Cordelia has feelings for Zaremba, but not a whole lot of exploration beyond that. I'm pretty sure she loves him, but so many of the actual intimate moments are glossed over. I'm not saying I wanted a bunch of sensual, mushy love scenes or anything -- in fact, their absence was mostly good, and I really liked a lot of their conversations -- but I wish there had been more moments between them that actually conveyed intimacy on Cordelia's end -- because it seems it's mostly just alluded to rather than shown.
But I really like the fact that we get an actual flawed heroine. Not just with stupid chick flick flaws like "she laughs too loud" or something -- but a legitimate physical disability, and an actual crutch that she needs in order to get around. And I really like how she grows by the end of the story -- how it appears that both she and Zaremba have helped each other change for the better.
Even though I didn't find this a huge page turner (which is fine -- not all books with action have to raise my blood pressure the whole time), I still enjoyed it. It's worth savoring.
This book is difficult to categorize, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's sort of a love story, but also a bit of a mystery, but probably more political/social commentary in the end. I enjoyed reading a bit about a different culture, that wasn't *so* different from mine that I felt lost. Probably it's good once in a while for an American to read a story in which Americans are not the good guys. Even as an American, I didn't feel that the political commentary was unfair.
I enjoyed Cordelia's character, and even identified with her a bit, having lived overseas for a little while and been a bit sheltered myself. In the first half of the book, the focus is more on the Cordelia/Zaremba story, while the second half is more political intrigue. In the beginning I thought I saw a few parallels between their story and Jane Eyre, one of my favorite novels, in the way the two met and their difference in social status.
Overall though, I felt the love story lacked something. We hear several times about the fact that Cordelia has feelings for Zaremba, but not a whole lot of exploration beyond that. I'm pretty sure she loves him, but so many of the actual intimate moments are glossed over. I'm not saying I wanted a bunch of sensual, mushy love scenes or anything -- in fact, their absence was mostly good, and I really liked a lot of their conversations -- but I wish there had been more moments between them that actually conveyed intimacy on Cordelia's end -- because it seems it's mostly just alluded to rather than shown.
But I really like the fact that we get an actual flawed heroine. Not just with stupid chick flick flaws like "she laughs too loud" or something -- but a legitimate physical disability, and an actual crutch that she needs in order to get around. And I really like how she grows by the end of the story -- how it appears that both she and Zaremba have helped each other change for the better.
Even though I didn't find this a huge page turner (which is fine -- not all books with action have to raise my blood pressure the whole time), I still enjoyed it. It's worth savoring.
July 14, 2013
As I started reading the book, I was really drawn by its main character, Cordelia. Cordelia is a strong young woman who is supporting most of her family through her work as a translator. She was disfigured by polio as a child and can’t walk without a crutch, and this has clearly had devastating effects on her sense of self-worth, yet she’s taken on not only the financial burdens of her family, but the emotional ones as well. Her mother suffers from severe dementia and needs round the clock care. Her father and brother are only slightly more functional.
The book starts with Cordelia driving with her father when they get stuck on a quiet road in the mud. Cordelia has to walk to the nearest farmhouse, which is a ways away, where she seeks help. Zaremba answers the door and helps push their car out of the mud. Only Zaremba is actually on the run himself – he’s been framed for corruption, he says, by the Polish government.
I loved the slow build of Cordelia and Zaremba’s friendship, and his relationship with her family. It almost reminded me of how Elizabeth and Darcy get to know each other in Pride and Prejudice – not all at once, not love at first sight, but as a series of steps and missteps. Also, I really liked the attention to language in this book. Author Michelle Granas is a translator, as is the character of Cordelia, so much attention is paid to how people address each other and the words they use, and how languages differ.
My one criticism of the book is that it really reads like two books, and, as it was pretty long, the second half might have worked better as a sequel. There is a lot of information about Polish government, but more explanation would have been helpful for the non-Polish reader.
All in all I was very impressed with this book and I think even if you have no interest in Poland you would still enjoy it for the characters, story, and great writing.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an objective review.
The book starts with Cordelia driving with her father when they get stuck on a quiet road in the mud. Cordelia has to walk to the nearest farmhouse, which is a ways away, where she seeks help. Zaremba answers the door and helps push their car out of the mud. Only Zaremba is actually on the run himself – he’s been framed for corruption, he says, by the Polish government.
I loved the slow build of Cordelia and Zaremba’s friendship, and his relationship with her family. It almost reminded me of how Elizabeth and Darcy get to know each other in Pride and Prejudice – not all at once, not love at first sight, but as a series of steps and missteps. Also, I really liked the attention to language in this book. Author Michelle Granas is a translator, as is the character of Cordelia, so much attention is paid to how people address each other and the words they use, and how languages differ.
My one criticism of the book is that it really reads like two books, and, as it was pretty long, the second half might have worked better as a sequel. There is a lot of information about Polish government, but more explanation would have been helpful for the non-Polish reader.
All in all I was very impressed with this book and I think even if you have no interest in Poland you would still enjoy it for the characters, story, and great writing.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an objective review.
February 22, 2014
Some time ago I received a message from the author of this book asking me whether I would be interested in it, so she sent me a copy. Michelle Granas is a self published writer worthy of our attention.
The book is divided in two parts that differ from each other. The first part is more slow-paced and more concerned around the life of Cordelia, a polio victim and Darek, a strong and capable businessman involved in politics and gives the space for the relationship between the two protagonists to be defined and developed. But for me the second part is the one that really drag me into the story. I was really surprised to read about the role of CIA in forced disappearances in Poland, especially since I've recently been studying about this subject for an essay on the rights of persons under detention for one of my master's courses! The author has involved this plot into the main story as Darek is being abducted by CIA agents on suspicion of being involved with terrorists. The intriguing part for me is that I was under the impression that most people don't actually know about these incidents, at least where I live, but they have gained publicity through the work of many international organisations, as the Council of Europe. For example here is the decision of the European Court of Human Rights on the El Masri case, of a German citizen who was abducted by CIA in FYROM. And there is also this chronology of the Council of Europe's investigation into illegal transfers and secret detentions in Europe.
So I must say that I am really hooked by this book and I recommend it to everyone into politics and of course romance!
The book is divided in two parts that differ from each other. The first part is more slow-paced and more concerned around the life of Cordelia, a polio victim and Darek, a strong and capable businessman involved in politics and gives the space for the relationship between the two protagonists to be defined and developed. But for me the second part is the one that really drag me into the story. I was really surprised to read about the role of CIA in forced disappearances in Poland, especially since I've recently been studying about this subject for an essay on the rights of persons under detention for one of my master's courses! The author has involved this plot into the main story as Darek is being abducted by CIA agents on suspicion of being involved with terrorists. The intriguing part for me is that I was under the impression that most people don't actually know about these incidents, at least where I live, but they have gained publicity through the work of many international organisations, as the Council of Europe. For example here is the decision of the European Court of Human Rights on the El Masri case, of a German citizen who was abducted by CIA in FYROM. And there is also this chronology of the Council of Europe's investigation into illegal transfers and secret detentions in Europe.
So I must say that I am really hooked by this book and I recommend it to everyone into politics and of course romance!
May 4, 2015
Good writing is good writing! And that’s what this book is—first and foremost. For that reason, Zaremba has a place on my “madly in love with” shelf. The story takes us on a wild ride of love and suspense. The characters are delightful, the action and dialogue perfect. Part one of the book pulls you in and then you stay for Part two because you are completely in love with the characters. The overall theme, on many layers, is the moral dilemma that humanity grapples with in the incidences of life: the theft of pantyhose, lying to police to save a loved one, saving your own life at the cost of other’s. And how we justify each, including the gross injustices we perpetrate against each other in the name of safety. The author shows us the “powerlessness of the individual before the forces of the state,” and the heroine (before she realizes she’s a heroine), Cordelia, articulates how we often deal with it, in her declaration: “I don't want to be interested. I want to be safe.”
Author Michelle Granas also gives us tasty tidbits of literature as Cordelia’s quirky father provides comical relief by spewing literary quotes at the most unlikely of times, while Granas, herself, produces an abundance of poetic prose such as: “A sudden awareness of the totality of her ignorance on all but the most cultivated and useless of subjects rushed towards her like an enveloping storm cloud and almost swept her from the sidewalk,” or images like: “His foot went down on the accelerator; his language descended the ladder of profanity.” There are many other examples and they are a lovely addition for the literary-fiction-nerds among us.
I loved this book and I highly recommend it. My only complaint is not about the book but about the seemingly great difficulty in communicating with the author. No Twitter? Facebook? email? Message on Goodreads? Why so elusive?
Author Michelle Granas also gives us tasty tidbits of literature as Cordelia’s quirky father provides comical relief by spewing literary quotes at the most unlikely of times, while Granas, herself, produces an abundance of poetic prose such as: “A sudden awareness of the totality of her ignorance on all but the most cultivated and useless of subjects rushed towards her like an enveloping storm cloud and almost swept her from the sidewalk,” or images like: “His foot went down on the accelerator; his language descended the ladder of profanity.” There are many other examples and they are a lovely addition for the literary-fiction-nerds among us.
I loved this book and I highly recommend it. My only complaint is not about the book but about the seemingly great difficulty in communicating with the author. No Twitter? Facebook? email? Message on Goodreads? Why so elusive?
October 18, 2014
This is a book about Poland, but the way it reads, reminds me of some Indian or Afghan or Russian writing, perhaps because the heroine takes a 'what will be, will be' view of the world. In spite of this, she muddles along, doing what she thinks is right. For example, on her way to a job interview, she nearly gets killed rescuing a mongrel from traffic; then, not knowing what to do with it, she takes it to the interview in her ruined hose and muddied suit.
In a way, this is a Cinderella story. The heroine, a polio victim who struggles with a withered arm and leg, manages to care for her eccentric family. And this isn't easy. Her father is a college professor who lives in the clouds with little practical sense and a decided opinion. Her brother has retreated from the world. Her mother has Alzheimer's. They depend on Cordelia for everything and never acknowledge they can't do without her.
So Cordelia tends to the decaying house and her quirky family and tries to keep them on track.
Then she meets up with a man who has been named by a government bureau or department or agency as an unscrupulous builder. Named by rumor and insinuations, but never facts. Evidently, the government agency uses this to divert attention from its activities and defeat people who are calling for its dissolution.
Cordelia doesn't know whether to believe him but when he puts his trust in her, she can't let him down. He needs her, too.
Just when I thought the story ended, it took up again. It could almost have been two books. But the characters stayed in my mind long after I finished reading.
Really good read.
In a way, this is a Cinderella story. The heroine, a polio victim who struggles with a withered arm and leg, manages to care for her eccentric family. And this isn't easy. Her father is a college professor who lives in the clouds with little practical sense and a decided opinion. Her brother has retreated from the world. Her mother has Alzheimer's. They depend on Cordelia for everything and never acknowledge they can't do without her.
So Cordelia tends to the decaying house and her quirky family and tries to keep them on track.
Then she meets up with a man who has been named by a government bureau or department or agency as an unscrupulous builder. Named by rumor and insinuations, but never facts. Evidently, the government agency uses this to divert attention from its activities and defeat people who are calling for its dissolution.
Cordelia doesn't know whether to believe him but when he puts his trust in her, she can't let him down. He needs her, too.
Just when I thought the story ended, it took up again. It could almost have been two books. But the characters stayed in my mind long after I finished reading.
Really good read.
July 19, 2014
Michelle Granas has written a sophisticated literary novel with a special turn of phrase and tone. Cordelia, the main character, is an intelligent young woman, saddled with an odd, mentally ill and aging, but harmless family. She's taken responsibility for all of them and is the "mother figure". During a mishap, she and her father meet a man briefly who helps them out. As happens in life, coincidence brings the man into her life again under different circumstances.
Corrupt politics in a struggling Poland have targeted this man, Zaremba, a wealthy businessman, and he needs Cordelia's help. Both of these people have distinct characters in the story. There is plenty of intrigue and suspense as events unfold and change, and as Cordelia and Zaremba fall in love, against odds. Cordelia has a strong and gentle nature combined with wit and calmness, and also suffers a bit from lack of confidence. Balancing her family's needs and Zaremba's urgent situations, she careens through several new situations and finds the determination needed to help the people she cares about. Her brother, mostly a recluse but also intelligent, is lured out of solitude by Zaremba and events.
Cordelia's family, herself, and Zaremba manage to get into and out of various situations with government officials in hot pursuit, bend on destroying Zaremba and his success. The story and people are realistic and the writing is exquisite in some way that's hard to describe. Elegant maybe. I hope we see more of Granas's writing. Highly recommend to any reader who enjoys this sort of story.
Corrupt politics in a struggling Poland have targeted this man, Zaremba, a wealthy businessman, and he needs Cordelia's help. Both of these people have distinct characters in the story. There is plenty of intrigue and suspense as events unfold and change, and as Cordelia and Zaremba fall in love, against odds. Cordelia has a strong and gentle nature combined with wit and calmness, and also suffers a bit from lack of confidence. Balancing her family's needs and Zaremba's urgent situations, she careens through several new situations and finds the determination needed to help the people she cares about. Her brother, mostly a recluse but also intelligent, is lured out of solitude by Zaremba and events.
Cordelia's family, herself, and Zaremba manage to get into and out of various situations with government officials in hot pursuit, bend on destroying Zaremba and his success. The story and people are realistic and the writing is exquisite in some way that's hard to describe. Elegant maybe. I hope we see more of Granas's writing. Highly recommend to any reader who enjoys this sort of story.
October 10, 2013
My favorite thing about the book is probably the humor in the conversations between Cordelia and other protagonists, deep, elegant and philosophical.
Cordelia is not a likeable personage, in my opinion, at least not at first, despite all her good intentions and high morals. She is stuck and does not even notice it, her recent 10 years were the same activities, routine, boredom and hardly any development. She is a person of sacrifice, to her family, to society and possibly to moral. She does not seem happy, and what’s scary, she does not even seem to question it or show any need of being it. Not a very attractive character, I would say.
However, she is witty, smart and kind. And when the morning finally arrives after a line of adventures including some people being lost, hidden, fined, almost dead, stuck in traffic jam, locked up, Cordelia finally starts introducing us the good qualities of Pan Zaremba, which also transforms her into a more pleasant person with more pleasant human feelings. And Pan Zaremba itself, oh what a man!
Structure-wise, the book is divided into two parts, chronologically. I greatly enjoyed the first one, the second was surreal, like a Hollywood movie when a weak girl saves the world just to save her beloved, who is a strong big man fighting for justice.
The conversations between Cordelia and Pan Zaremba were very touching, descriptions thorough and thoughtful.
Cordelia is not a likeable personage, in my opinion, at least not at first, despite all her good intentions and high morals. She is stuck and does not even notice it, her recent 10 years were the same activities, routine, boredom and hardly any development. She is a person of sacrifice, to her family, to society and possibly to moral. She does not seem happy, and what’s scary, she does not even seem to question it or show any need of being it. Not a very attractive character, I would say.
However, she is witty, smart and kind. And when the morning finally arrives after a line of adventures including some people being lost, hidden, fined, almost dead, stuck in traffic jam, locked up, Cordelia finally starts introducing us the good qualities of Pan Zaremba, which also transforms her into a more pleasant person with more pleasant human feelings. And Pan Zaremba itself, oh what a man!
Structure-wise, the book is divided into two parts, chronologically. I greatly enjoyed the first one, the second was surreal, like a Hollywood movie when a weak girl saves the world just to save her beloved, who is a strong big man fighting for justice.
The conversations between Cordelia and Pan Zaremba were very touching, descriptions thorough and thoughtful.
October 13, 2014
[Won through first reads.]
Before starting this book, I did not really know what to expect. The synopsis sounded interesting, but, with a main character who is very different from your average novel heroine, it only remained to be seen whether the author hadn't put too much emphasis on the disability of Cordelia. Luckily, this was not the case at all - sure, her disability plays a role, but it is in no way the centre of the story. Don't get me wrong - a disabled main character is not something that bothers me in any way. The only thing that can annoy me is when characters are merely defined by gender, skin colour, disability, sexual orientation... you name it.
In stead, Michelle Granas has managed to write a novel (or rather: two novels in one) that reminded me of the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series. Both are (partially) about a woman who does not fit into the mainstream, but who turns out to be indispensable in the course of the story. Another thing these books have in common, is that both revolve around (pseudo-)criminal activities, as well as the role of journalists.
Zaremba, or Love and the Rule of Law is definitely a page turner, and anyone who enjoys crime novels that are just that little bit different, would certainly this one too.
The only reason why I have given this 4 stars in stead of 5, is because I did not enjoy the second part quite as much as the first.
Before starting this book, I did not really know what to expect. The synopsis sounded interesting, but, with a main character who is very different from your average novel heroine, it only remained to be seen whether the author hadn't put too much emphasis on the disability of Cordelia. Luckily, this was not the case at all - sure, her disability plays a role, but it is in no way the centre of the story. Don't get me wrong - a disabled main character is not something that bothers me in any way. The only thing that can annoy me is when characters are merely defined by gender, skin colour, disability, sexual orientation... you name it.
In stead, Michelle Granas has managed to write a novel (or rather: two novels in one) that reminded me of the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series. Both are (partially) about a woman who does not fit into the mainstream, but who turns out to be indispensable in the course of the story. Another thing these books have in common, is that both revolve around (pseudo-)criminal activities, as well as the role of journalists.
Zaremba, or Love and the Rule of Law is definitely a page turner, and anyone who enjoys crime novels that are just that little bit different, would certainly this one too.
The only reason why I have given this 4 stars in stead of 5, is because I did not enjoy the second part quite as much as the first.
July 7, 2013
I received a review copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Zaremba is a charming novel despite of some of the serious themes that the story touches on: issues of corruption, political systems, black ops, bureaucracy and trust in government. The charm lies in the characters and their interactions. Cordelia was a great character; she’s led a fairly sheltered and secluded life but isn’t afraid to stand her ground, especially when things get mad. I enjoyed her rapport with Zaremba and, in turn, Zaremba's interaction with her odd but intriguing family.
I did not find the second half of the novel as interesting as the first. Despite the blurb, I did not expect the international scope of the political storyline. I was also not as invested in the second half of the novel because it removed Cordelia and Zaremba from Cordelia's family setting, which I was more interested in.
Nonetheless, I thought the novel was charming and the setting interesting and I recommend this book to readers who are interested in a contemporary story set in a unique European country.
My complete review of the title was originally posted at caffeinatedlife.net: http://www.caffeinatedlife.net/blog/2...
Zaremba is a charming novel despite of some of the serious themes that the story touches on: issues of corruption, political systems, black ops, bureaucracy and trust in government. The charm lies in the characters and their interactions. Cordelia was a great character; she’s led a fairly sheltered and secluded life but isn’t afraid to stand her ground, especially when things get mad. I enjoyed her rapport with Zaremba and, in turn, Zaremba's interaction with her odd but intriguing family.
I did not find the second half of the novel as interesting as the first. Despite the blurb, I did not expect the international scope of the political storyline. I was also not as invested in the second half of the novel because it removed Cordelia and Zaremba from Cordelia's family setting, which I was more interested in.
Nonetheless, I thought the novel was charming and the setting interesting and I recommend this book to readers who are interested in a contemporary story set in a unique European country.
My complete review of the title was originally posted at caffeinatedlife.net: http://www.caffeinatedlife.net/blog/2...
April 11, 2016
I was initially drawn to this book because I share the surname in the title. The author sent me a free copy last spring but I didn't really start reading it until last week.
I must say at the outset that I really dislike the female protagonist. I don't find her believable as a 21st century adult in her 30s. The fact that she has a physical disability doesn't explain how she can be so ignorant of the world, when she has the internet and television and is supposedly educated. Her sexual immaturity was also unrealistic for a 21st century woman. Try as I might, I was not able to accept this. The more I read, the more I became annoyed by her moronic behavior.
The character of the man, Zaremba, however, is an interesting one. As were the characters of the protagonist's family, eccentric as they are. (My own family is quite eccentric, so I had no problem with these characters.) I also liked the political point of view most of the time, particularly the quite correct estimation of NATO and the CIA.
All this said, I was disappointed overall with the book. The idea was good, but the execution was awkward and the character of Cordelia, with her out of date sexual attitudes and general stupidity, really didn't fit and spoiled the story for me.
I must say at the outset that I really dislike the female protagonist. I don't find her believable as a 21st century adult in her 30s. The fact that she has a physical disability doesn't explain how she can be so ignorant of the world, when she has the internet and television and is supposedly educated. Her sexual immaturity was also unrealistic for a 21st century woman. Try as I might, I was not able to accept this. The more I read, the more I became annoyed by her moronic behavior.
The character of the man, Zaremba, however, is an interesting one. As were the characters of the protagonist's family, eccentric as they are. (My own family is quite eccentric, so I had no problem with these characters.) I also liked the political point of view most of the time, particularly the quite correct estimation of NATO and the CIA.
All this said, I was disappointed overall with the book. The idea was good, but the execution was awkward and the character of Cordelia, with her out of date sexual attitudes and general stupidity, really didn't fit and spoiled the story for me.
July 13, 2015
This intriguing novel, set in modern-day Poland, recounts the tale of a shy, handicapped young lady and the suave, modern building contractor who owe each other their freedom, and possible their life.
During the course of the tale, we learn much about politics and the dangers of a repressive state, something which resonates in today’s increasingly restrictive culture as more of the unrestricted freedoms we take for granted are being pared away. And Ms. Granas manages to relay all this in a gripping fashion.
Besides being a tale of politics and danger, this is a story of redemption. Cordelia, the protagonist, is redeemed from a life of drudgery, her brother, Anton, begins to rejoin the world, and her mother enjoys periods of near-lucidity, all thanks to Zaremba. Zaremba himself is rescued from imprisonment by Cordelia.
This story, split into two parts, is a rather long book to read. I found the first part to be more believable than the second part but that did not take away from the enjoyment of the entire book. It is not a quick read but is worth the time it takes to read it thoroughly.
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway without any expectation of a review in return.
During the course of the tale, we learn much about politics and the dangers of a repressive state, something which resonates in today’s increasingly restrictive culture as more of the unrestricted freedoms we take for granted are being pared away. And Ms. Granas manages to relay all this in a gripping fashion.
Besides being a tale of politics and danger, this is a story of redemption. Cordelia, the protagonist, is redeemed from a life of drudgery, her brother, Anton, begins to rejoin the world, and her mother enjoys periods of near-lucidity, all thanks to Zaremba. Zaremba himself is rescued from imprisonment by Cordelia.
This story, split into two parts, is a rather long book to read. I found the first part to be more believable than the second part but that did not take away from the enjoyment of the entire book. It is not a quick read but is worth the time it takes to read it thoroughly.
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway without any expectation of a review in return.
September 16, 2015
This was a well crafted story set against the backdrop of political corruption and
abuse of power in Poland.
It is essentially a love story played out between two very different characters which makes it such a compelling read.
Disfigured by polio as a child Cordelia is responsible for the well being of her immediate family. An ageing academic father, a brother who rarely goes out in public and her mother who is suffering from bouts of mental instability. Cordellia becomes involved with Zaremba, a wealthy businessman, after he saves the life of her father.
Both of the main characters are believable and the reader is soon taken up by the events that draw them together. Cordelia although quiet, reserved and with high moral values, draws on her inner strength as she strives to help Zaremba who has been targeted by government intrigue and corruption. And against this backdrop two most unlikely characters begin to fall in love. Cordelia deals with her eccentric family and Zaremba who needs her help, with honesty and integrity mixed with humour and a determination from her growing conviction that Zaremba is the innocent victim of government politics.
abuse of power in Poland.
It is essentially a love story played out between two very different characters which makes it such a compelling read.
Disfigured by polio as a child Cordelia is responsible for the well being of her immediate family. An ageing academic father, a brother who rarely goes out in public and her mother who is suffering from bouts of mental instability. Cordellia becomes involved with Zaremba, a wealthy businessman, after he saves the life of her father.
Both of the main characters are believable and the reader is soon taken up by the events that draw them together. Cordelia although quiet, reserved and with high moral values, draws on her inner strength as she strives to help Zaremba who has been targeted by government intrigue and corruption. And against this backdrop two most unlikely characters begin to fall in love. Cordelia deals with her eccentric family and Zaremba who needs her help, with honesty and integrity mixed with humour and a determination from her growing conviction that Zaremba is the innocent victim of government politics.
July 7, 2017
This was a terrific read! This book has a lot going on: it's a love story, a story of a woman's coming out of her shell and living up to her potential, and also a political thriller. The book is set during the time period when the PiS party, which is also currently the ruling party in Poland, was in power the first time, and in part, it is a commentary on how politicians can claim to be restoring the rule of law while doing just the opposite. It's not only a commentary about Polish politics, but on American politics as well. And it's not only about 2005 (which is when it's set), but also about now.
But it's also an exploration of the main character's consciousness. She is a translator who is painfully shy because of a disability, but is also the most level-headed member of her extremely quirky family. Meeting the title character, Zaremba, changes her life, although she's not at all sure about him at first. I enjoyed meeting this character and watching her grow through the course of the novel. The story takes several surprising twists and turns, but it is never less than riveting.
But it's also an exploration of the main character's consciousness. She is a translator who is painfully shy because of a disability, but is also the most level-headed member of her extremely quirky family. Meeting the title character, Zaremba, changes her life, although she's not at all sure about him at first. I enjoyed meeting this character and watching her grow through the course of the novel. The story takes several surprising twists and turns, but it is never less than riveting.
June 1, 2015
Zaremba, or Love and the Rule of Law is the story of a shy polio victim who spends her life taking care of her rather odd family. Over a unique course of events she becomes involved with a man who is running from the law. She has to decide whether she believes him that the charges are baseless, or believes the state propaganda machines.
The first half of this book completely captivated me and I couldn't stop recommending it to everyone I talked to. As the book progressed however it became less believable and the CIA was cast as the bad guys. I loved the quirky characters. I loved the relationship between Cordelia and Zaremba. The writing is excellent and uses interesting vocabulary - I had to look up a few words, but I didn't have to wear out the dictionary reading it. I loved the setting and the European viewpoint, but I didn't like the CIA being the bad guys. I never could decide if it is because I don't believe it or because I'm afraid it could have some truth and I don't WANT to believe it.
The first half of this book completely captivated me and I couldn't stop recommending it to everyone I talked to. As the book progressed however it became less believable and the CIA was cast as the bad guys. I loved the quirky characters. I loved the relationship between Cordelia and Zaremba. The writing is excellent and uses interesting vocabulary - I had to look up a few words, but I didn't have to wear out the dictionary reading it. I loved the setting and the European viewpoint, but I didn't like the CIA being the bad guys. I never could decide if it is because I don't believe it or because I'm afraid it could have some truth and I don't WANT to believe it.
November 9, 2013
Wow! This is a definite roller coaster, thought provoking story. This is one of those edge of your seat kind of stories that is more than a little uncomfortably close to what many must agree is close to the reality of international espionage.
This is not a spy story. It is a story of what secret policing agencies do in the name of national security and defending the interests of their countries. It is those interests and the lack of policing and accountability of those agencies that makes this a real thriller.
Though set in Poland, other agencies from other countries have a large role in this story. Innocents are pulled into their net and find that extricating themselves is virtually impossible because whoever is in charge of these agencies is faceless, nameless and secret. Human rights don't exist in their world and they operate without boundaries. They ignore the rules of law that are meant to protect the innocent.
Great book!
This is not a spy story. It is a story of what secret policing agencies do in the name of national security and defending the interests of their countries. It is those interests and the lack of policing and accountability of those agencies that makes this a real thriller.
Though set in Poland, other agencies from other countries have a large role in this story. Innocents are pulled into their net and find that extricating themselves is virtually impossible because whoever is in charge of these agencies is faceless, nameless and secret. Human rights don't exist in their world and they operate without boundaries. They ignore the rules of law that are meant to protect the innocent.
Great book!
February 20, 2014
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway.
Despite its length, this was one of those books that I was reluctant to put down as soon as I started reading it.I look forward to recommending it to friends who appreciate quiet, rich storytelling in modern fiction. The setting and characters were unusual, but mesmerizing. The story unfolded slowly at first, but was not tedious. In fact, the pacing allowed time for the beauty of the writing to shine through. I felt a range of emotions towards the main characters due to their complexity, at times approving or disapproving of their actions, but always wanting to continue and know more. I was worried at the initial shift to political thriller story in part two, but by the end, was enthralled with the new developments. I finished the book reluctantly, as I wanted to follow these characters further. An excellent read, and one that I will definitely visit again.
Despite its length, this was one of those books that I was reluctant to put down as soon as I started reading it.I look forward to recommending it to friends who appreciate quiet, rich storytelling in modern fiction. The setting and characters were unusual, but mesmerizing. The story unfolded slowly at first, but was not tedious. In fact, the pacing allowed time for the beauty of the writing to shine through. I felt a range of emotions towards the main characters due to their complexity, at times approving or disapproving of their actions, but always wanting to continue and know more. I was worried at the initial shift to political thriller story in part two, but by the end, was enthralled with the new developments. I finished the book reluctantly, as I wanted to follow these characters further. An excellent read, and one that I will definitely visit again.
September 12, 2013
Introspective and charming, Zaremba: or Love and the Rule of Law is a tale of political intrigue with a cast of quirky characters. The main character, Cordelia, is a smart and intuitive individual, with a droll sense of humor and a steadfast sense of honor and honesty. She is well-read, well-traveled, and she supports her family by working as a freelance translator. But polio has crippled her, leaving her with a limp and very little self-esteem. She spends her days taking care of her senile mother, her eccentric father, and her reclusive brother, and has no interest in leaving her sheltered, if somewhat chaotic, home life.
Read the rest of this review at Underground Book Reviews (dot) com.
Read the rest of this review at Underground Book Reviews (dot) com.
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