Szlak Nadziei. Armia Andersa. Marsz przez trzy kontynenty

by Norman Davies

Chciałem pokazać ogromną różnorodność ludzi dowodzonych przez Władysława Andersa, a także niezwykły wachlarz ich uczuć i przeżyć od zrezygnowania i rozpaczy, przez strach, pragnienie, ciężkie próby i poświęcenie, aż do ulgi i nadziei.

Norman Davies

Marsz Armii Andersa nie ma sobie równych w historii. Rozsypani po „nieludzkiej ziemi” Polacy stawili się na wezwanie generała Andersa licząc na ocalenie. Przekraczali granice Związku Sowieckiego z nadzieją na powrót do domów. Gdy zwyciężali Niemców pod Monte Cassino, Anconą i Bolonią wiedzieli już, że te nadzieje pozostaną niespełnione.

To oni stali się namiastką wolnej Polski. Żołnierzom towarzyszyli cywile: dzieci, kobiety, starcy. Próbowali normalnie żyć. Działały szpitale, szkoły, sierocińce. Trudy marszu, codzienne rozterki, poświęcenie w boju, drobne radości i wielkie dramaty złożyły się na opowieść o jednym z najbardziej niezwykłych rozdziałów drugiej wojny światowej.

Nikt wcześniej nie opowiedział jej tak, jak czyni to teraz Norman Davies.

Wraz z fotografem Januszem Rosikoniem wyruszył śladem Armii Andersa. Odwiedził Rosję, Iran, Izrael, Włochy a nawet Nową Zelandię, Afrykę i Meksyk. Książka zawiera nieznane relacje świadków, niepublikowane materiały archiwalne oraz zdjęcia dokumentujące tę fascynującą podróż „szlakiem nadziei”.

Genres: History, Poland, Nonfiction, Military History, World War II, Audiobook

600 pages, Hardcover

First published October 5, 2015

About the author

Ivor Norman Richard Davies FBA, FRHistS is a leading English historian of Welsh descent, noted for his publications on the history of Europe, Poland, and the United Kingdom. From 1971, Davies taught Polish history at the School of Slavonic and East European Studies (SSEES) of the University of London, where he was professor from 1985 to 1996. Currently, he is Supernumary Fellow at Wolfson College, Oxford. Throughout his career, Davies has lectured in many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, China, Poland, and in most of the rest of Europe as well.

The work which established Davies' reputation in the English-speaking world was God's Playground (1981), a comprehensive overview of Polish history. In Poland, the book was published officially only after the fall of communism. In 2000, Davies' Polish publishers Znak published a collection of his essays and articles under the title Smok wawelski nad Tamizą ("The Wawel Dragon on the Thames"). It is not available in English.

In 1984, Davies published Heart of Europe, a briefer history of Poland. Interestingly, the chapters are arranged in reverse chronological order. In the 1990s, Davies published Europe: A History (1996) and The Isles: A History (1999), about Europe and the islands of Great Britain and Ireland, respectively. Each book is a narrative interlarded with numerous sidepanel discussions of microtopics. In 2002, at the suggestion of the city's mayor, Bogdan Zdrojewski, Davies and his former research assistant, Roger Moorhouse, co-wrote a history of Wrocław / Breslau, a Silesian city. Titled Microcosm: Portrait of a Central European City, the book was published simultaneously in English, Polish, German and Czech. Davies also writes essays and articles for the mass media. Among others, he has worked for the BBC as well as British and American magazines and newspapers, such as The Times, The New York Review of Books and The Independent. In Poland, his articles appeared in the liberal Catholic weekly Tygodnik Powszechny. Davies' book Rising '44. The Battle for Warsaw describes the Warsaw Uprising. It was followed by Europe at War 1939-1945: No Simple Victory (2006). In 2008 Davies participated in the documentary film "The Soviet Story"

Some historians, most vocally Lucy Dawidowicz and Abraham Brumberg, object to Davies' historical treatment of the Holocaust in Nazi-occupied Poland. They accuse him of minimizing historic antisemitism, and of promoting a view that accounts of the Holocaust in international historiography largely overlook the suffering of non-Jewish Poles. Davies’s supporters contend that he gives due attention to the genocide and war crimes perpetrated by both Hitler and Stalin on Polish Jews and non-Jews. Davies himself argues that "Holocaust scholars need have no fears that rational comparisons might threaten that uniqueness. Quite the opposite." and that "...one needs to re-construct mentally the fuller picture in order to comprehend the true enormity of Poland’s wartime cataclysm, and then to say with absolute conviction ‘Never Again’." In 1986, Dawidowicz’s criticism of Davies’ historical treatment of the Holocaust was cited as a factor in a controversy at Stanford University in which Davies was denied a tenured faculty position for alleged "scientific flaws". Davies sued the university for breach of contract and defamation of character, but in 1989 the court ruled that it did not have jurisdiction in an academic matter.

Davies holds a number of honorary titles and memberships, including honorary doctorates from the universities of the Jagiellonian University (since 2003), Lublin, Gdańsk and Warsaw (since 2007), memberships in the Polish Academy of Learning (PAU) and the Academia Scientiarum et Artium Europaea, and fellowships of the British Academy and the Royal Historical Society. Davies received an honorary DLitt degree from his alma mater the University of Sussex. Davies is also an honorary

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remarkable history of a rarely covered heroic episode. A people betrayed, scattered, imprisioned overcome odds to fight the good fight that helps to lead the allies to victory....the result further betrayal and neglect. The romanticism of FDR that permeates the history books has to be tempered by the revelation of his neglect or lack of care for the Polish people that bore the brunt of both Soviet and Nazi atrocities. This historical book full of anecdotes strikes at the core the notion that America saved Europe like a white knight in a joust. It helped save a part of Europe...and threw aside the other part (Baltics)...even restricted resettlement efforts...

[Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

With nearly 600 pages one may expect this book is a long read, but its richly illustrated with large photos of places, documents and figures, often taking up half of each page.

This is an excellant anthology put together nicely from various sources spanning six co ntinents. In properly compiling this history the author absolutely had to travel to many places and access many archives as well as conduct interviews. His own photos of his travels help prove the point that he took his research seriously.

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Докато все още не съм приключила книгата, трябва да спомена, че доскоро не бях прочела нищо от Норман Дейвис, което си е срамота, защото поне три от книгите му са преведени на български език и запознават читателя с историята на Европа по начин, който едновременно дава знания, очертава мъчителни проблеми на човешкото съжителство и позволява на читатиля бавно и мъчително да изгражда позиция по въпросите на съвременното взаимодействие между държавите в света. Да разполага човек с подобно четиво е неизмеримо богатство, а аз чак наскоро си дадох сметка за него.
Тази книга намерих в Storytel на английски и чета по улиците, докато се придвижвам, докато чакам на една или друга опашка... Т.е. не съм особено концентрирана, докато го правя и въпреки това, радвам се, че я започнах, тъй като ми дава доста добра ориентация по въпроса защо съвременна Полша е такава каквато е.
Вероятно ще добавя още няколко изречения, когато привърша с четенето, но отсега препоръчвам на всички, които се интересуват от история и от отношенията в съвревенна Европа.

[Chet Slonina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful historical read about the history of General Anders Second Corps as part of the British Army. Detailed with much information and photos that give the reader a sense of the insurmountable odds that were against the Poles and their tenacity toward freedom, a return to a free Poland ( we know what happened with that one) and the never ending will that is typical of the Poles. My father and mother were part of the Second Corps and this books sheds more light on the journey that they took and the hardships they beat to go from Monte Cassino to Southampton and finally New York. a warning, as a book from the library, this book I purchased to savor the detailed history and need to let the words digest to fully appreciate its historical significance.

[Tina Tamman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book if you want to understand what happened to Poland during WWII. It of course tells the story of the Anders Army but puts it into a context by bringing in contemporary events elsewhere and there are snippets of memoirs or statements to add further colour. Very nicely illustrated too. If I have a complaint though it is about the weight of the book. It is printed on best paper and although this adds to the quality of photographs, the overall feel of it is not entirely a pleasant surprise.

[Beata Dobrogoszcz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Norman Davies stories from WWII and picked up The Trail of Hope to read something more details about this part of history. And also because this story is part of my family WWII story too. Unfortunately, I cannot hear live tales any more. But going to a more academic source seemed to be like a good step.
The book is written so well. After simple tales, I got so much historical information and background. There are many photos included which makes the book a sort of album. But it also helps our imagination.
Not an easy read (it is not a novel) but highly recommended for anyone who wants to know about the dark sides of WWII.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

W skrocie historia ludzi, ktorzy w wyniku błędów geopolitycznych władz polskich w latach 30tych XXw, w 10 minut musieli sie spakowac i przy gigantycznym szczęściu mieli mozliwosc przewędrowania kilkunastu tysiecy kilometrów, głodowania, ocierania się o smierc, zwiedzania Jerozolimy i piramid, rozstania z rodziną na 3 - 4 lata a potem odnalezienie się na przykład w Argentynie w 1947 roku.
TO POWINNA BYĆ LEKTURA

[Kasia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Generally, non-fiction historical books are not my thing - this is well researched and dense with lots of personal accounts and photographs. Closer to 3.5, but hard to rate.

[Dominika Maj · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75☆

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Among the many parts of history not covered in high school (or college) classes is the story of Anders Army and the many other Poles who were deported during Soviet and Nazi times and ended up spread from Europe to Australia to the Americas after the end of World War II. More of a personal journey of discovery to which you are invited, rather than a popular or academic history, this hefty, heavily illustrated tome cites a variety of sources, in a variety of languages, to illustrate the difficulties and tragic consequences of Anders and his military compatriots as they fought for the Allied cause only to be left, at the conclusion of WWII, with no country to which to return. Davies often identifies multiple sources for his information and is not afraid to share conflicting or contradictory accounts as he identifies the political or social motives behind them. If you have any interest in WWII, the history of Poland, or the deportations of Poles, this is a must-read volume.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of the journey of the Polish army from USSR to Italy. I would have liked to see more details on the army itself and the battles in fought in vs. the stories of civilians following the army, but this was a minor quibble.

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Immensely informative book about the story of the Polish Corps II. Norman Davies explains the events in historical context and uses numerous anecdotal first-hand stories, giving you a vivid impression of what live as a Pole under General Władysław Anders was like. I found the first half of the book however pretty dry and would've been much more interested if I had known the outline of the story beforehand.

I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in WW2.

[Justin Sluka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to via Audible

A long but succinct crash course on the history of Polish refugees who were captured and deported by the USSR, before being released, allowed to form a military force known as the 2nd Corps, and slowly return to the west and Europe.

This story is made all the more heartbreaking by the knowledge that my own grandmother, at the age of 13 in 1939, survived this very journey with part of her family - a tale we have documented in her journals from the time.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story about Anders Army. Colorful language and many testimonies of witnesses make the book read in one breath. I recommend it to everyone who wants to learn something about the Polish army during World War II

[Paul Mnich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading The Trail of Hope last year, shortly before I was about to travel, so put it down to pick up at a later date. It’s not something you’d consider carrying around on a journey.
When I picked it up again about 2 weeks ago I found myself reading sections late into the night. It’s a gripping story and one in which my father was personally involved, so I had more than a passing interest.
It was recommended to me some years ago by someone similarly connected with the Anders Army, before my father’s death in 2020. Because he was, understandably reluctant to talk about his wartime experiences, I desperately wanted to find out more without upsetting him.
This excellently illustrated book has given a background to his story and that of Anders army’s incredible journey, though not answering all the questions that still remain unanswered.
Nevertheless I recommend reading Trail of Hope anyone with even the slightest curiosity about the role of the Polish army in WW2. Norman Davies has researched and described comprehensively the appalling treatment of prisoners by the Russians in Siberia, the formation of a new Polish army and the remarkable journey many of them made to freedom under the guidance of General Anders.

[Tom · Rating 1 out of 5]

Książka z założenia miała być albumem, więc pełna jest zdjęć. Są tu zdjęcia archiwalne, bardzo interesujące w istocie. Są również zdjęcia wykonane współcześnie. I tu tkwi problem. Z 51 (słownie: pięćdziesięciu jeden) zdjęć - tych współczesnych, rzecz jasna - uśmiecha się do nas Autor. Czytelnik znajdzie na przykład zdjęcie moskiewskiej Łubianki z Autorem odzianym w mongolską (jak sam mówi w innym miejscu) czapę i pozującym - rzecz jasna z uśmiechem. Uważny Czytelnik natknie się również na fotografię z mszy świętej na Powązkach, gdzie zaopatrzony w błękitny parasol Autor uśmiecha się za plecami dwóch żołnierzy. Nie zawsze Autor jest uśmiechnięty: podczas przeglądania archiwalnych dokumentów i książek (co również zostało utrwalone na fotografiach) zachowuje on oblicze raczej marsowe.

Doprawdy, nic nie mam przeciw uśmiechom. Wręcz przeciwnie! Zastanawia mnie tylko jedna rzecz: dlaczego w książce o Armii Andersa tak wiele jest Pana Profesora oraz jego uśmiechów.

[Hunter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Davies has a clear love of his topic, of Poland, and the Polish people, and that comes through very strongly in his writings, and the heartfelt treatment of the Anders Army and the Polish civilians associated with it, but while it brings positives to the book, it also gives a clear blindness to the work as well. I'm willing to give a pass to some of the hamhandedness, as certainly the Soviet Union is greatly deserving of criticism in its awful treatment of Poland, but it does go too far at times, and the degree to which it feels like Polish antisemitism is being straight-up whitewashed was uncomfortable at times.

Far less material is the somewhat frequent minor errors about facts and dates. Generally not critical to the narrative, but still distracting.

Not that these issues destroy the narrative Davies presents, but they do necessitate some careful reading at times, and I wouldn't recommend this be the only thing one reads on the broader topic of Poland in the period.

[Martin Wickens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Davies' tells the story of a side of WW2 that I had not heard of before - the journey of the the Polish II Corps or 'Anders Army'.

Many were first taken by the invading Russians and placed in the Gulag of Siberia. When the political tides turned they made they way from Siberia, through Iran, the Middle East, North Africa, and finally to the battle fields of Italy.

Davies' weaves the story of the Ander's Army in skillfully with the broader story of WW2. His detailed research included many first hand accounts.

[Spoilers]
There were many tragedies in their stories. But I'll highlight two. One is that they received very little recognition for their part in defeating the Axis powers. Two, after the war Poland was given over to the Soviets. The brave soldiers who had fought to free Europe lost their own homeland. Some returned anyway. Many had to start new lives in the UK, Australia, and numerous other countries.

[andy noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an epic tale of heroism tragedy and betrayal. Something all Britons should be taught. This is such a moving well written that details the experience of the men women and children who when Russia invaded Poland as part of the Nazi Soviet pact. Where first sent to Russian Labour camps. Then, with the Nazi attack on Russia, they were freed to join the allies in fighting a common enemy. They went from Labour camps across the Russian steppes to Iran, Iraq Palestine Eygpt, and fought their way up the Italian penisula. Yet despite heroically fighting for the Allies, they were denounced as antisemitic and smeared by Stalun. Britain and America effectively turned their back on. Yet, they still somehow made it not necessarily back to Poland but to safety and freedom.

[Basia Korzeniowska · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like a photo album of Norman Davies follows the trail. Full of Selfies. Why? No index. That is a very serious failing of this book. Well written as usual, and no doubt well researched,but very disappointing overall,

[Jola Cora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best history books I've ever read. It's an absolutely fascinating account where one learns so much about the different countries and cultures along the trail and, as always, about the lies and crimes of the Soviet Union.

[Kenneth Laddish · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not engage me despite a personal connection to the incidents described and love of military history. Audiobook version

[Thom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bit wandering but a interesting and informative read

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book immensely. The research was off the charts superb, the story reads smoothly with excellent pace throughout. Norman Davies is a historian of the highest order, a legend.

[Julian Ticehurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible journey for an army

[Jean Blackwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating, inspiring and heart breaking.

[Andrew Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Details a history of Polish Army formed after Germany's attack on Russia and made up from the people sent to Gulags when Russians started occupying the eastern parts of Poland, following Ribbentrop-Molotov pact in August 1939.
Contains a large number of photos, so it's more like an album than an usual history book. Nevertheless, very informative, especially that there are a few books on that topic.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I am already a fervent fan of anything Davies writes, I found this a bit too eclectic and dispersed, even though the subject matter is inherently tragic and fascinating. The illustrations in this text are excellent, but I would not consider the entirety of the book as tightly constructed as Davies ordinarily produces.