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The Poland Trilogy: Push Not the River; Against a Crimson Sky; The Warsaw Conspiracy
Based on the diary of a Polish countess who lived through the rise and fall of the Third of May Constitution years, 1791-94, PUSH NOT THE RIVER paints a vivid picture of a tumultuous and unforgettable metamorphosis of a nation--and of Anna, a proud and resilient woman. AGAINST A CRIMSON SKY continues Anna's saga as Napoleon comes calling, implying independence from her neighbors would follow if only Polish lancers would accompany him on his fateful 1812 march into Russia. Anna's family fights valiantly to hold on to a tenuous happiness, their country, and their very lives. Set against the November Rising (1830-31), THE WARSAW CONSPIRACY depicts partitioned Poland's daring challenge to the Russian Empire. Brilliantly illustrating the psyche of a people determined to reclaim independence in the face of monumental odds, the story features Anna's sons and their fates in love and war.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
1576 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2017
334 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
James Conroyd Martin
10 books323 followersAh, Fate~
The seed for "Fortune's Child" started some years ago when I was taking an Art Appreciation course at a community college in Los Angeles. One day we were studying the exquisite mosaics of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora from the Basilica di San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy, and the professor pointed to Theodora and said, “I’m not a writer, but if I were, that is the woman I would write about.”
Little did he know what he had unloosed.
What a fascinating woman, frailties and all! She could have been the prototype for Eva Peron. I started the novel right then and there; however, life and other books got in the way.
But Fortune's Child has finally found her way.
Fate goes ever as it must.
I am also the author of THE POLAND TRILOGY, beginning with "Push Not the River," a novel based on the diary of Anna Berezowska, a Polish countess who lived through the rise and fall of the Third of May Constitution. After working on the project for some years without raising interest within the publishing community, I self-published in 2001. Just one year later, St. Martin’s Press purchased the book and released a hard cover edition in September 2003. Polish and German rights sold almost immediately.
The Polish edition, "Nie ponaglaj rzeki," was released in May of 2005, became a bestseller and sold out in a matter of months. Anna's story had come full circle: Polish to English to Polish! "Pod purpurowym niebem," the translation of "Against a Crimson Sky," also became a bestseller when published in December of 2007.
"The Warsaw Conspiracy" followed, as did "The Boy Who Wanted Wings."
Martin, who holds degrees from St. Ambrose and DePaul Universities, is a retired English and Creative Writing teacher now living and writing in Portland, Oregon.
The seed for "Fortune's Child" started some years ago when I was taking an Art Appreciation course at a community college in Los Angeles. One day we were studying the exquisite mosaics of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora from the Basilica di San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy, and the professor pointed to Theodora and said, “I’m not a writer, but if I were, that is the woman I would write about.”
Little did he know what he had unloosed.
What a fascinating woman, frailties and all! She could have been the prototype for Eva Peron. I started the novel right then and there; however, life and other books got in the way.
But Fortune's Child has finally found her way.
Fate goes ever as it must.
I am also the author of THE POLAND TRILOGY, beginning with "Push Not the River," a novel based on the diary of Anna Berezowska, a Polish countess who lived through the rise and fall of the Third of May Constitution. After working on the project for some years without raising interest within the publishing community, I self-published in 2001. Just one year later, St. Martin’s Press purchased the book and released a hard cover edition in September 2003. Polish and German rights sold almost immediately.
The Polish edition, "Nie ponaglaj rzeki," was released in May of 2005, became a bestseller and sold out in a matter of months. Anna's story had come full circle: Polish to English to Polish! "Pod purpurowym niebem," the translation of "Against a Crimson Sky," also became a bestseller when published in December of 2007.
"The Warsaw Conspiracy" followed, as did "The Boy Who Wanted Wings."
Martin, who holds degrees from St. Ambrose and DePaul Universities, is a retired English and Creative Writing teacher now living and writing in Portland, Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
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April 15, 2017This book gave me a whole new picture of Poland. My father was Polish. I always wondered why he could also speak Russian. As children we were told no tales of our Grand Parents. I wonder why? Dad was first generation born in America.
The stories, all three, gave me a knowledge of what happened to this beleaguered country. The families that lived these dreadful times were brave & very patriotic. It is a great adventure and love story set against the constant pain of a country beloved by it's people.
I enjoyed every word.
The stories, all three, gave me a knowledge of what happened to this beleaguered country. The families that lived these dreadful times were brave & very patriotic. It is a great adventure and love story set against the constant pain of a country beloved by it's people.
I enjoyed every word.
October 18, 2017
I found the book a perfect one to read while taking a trip to Poland. It reminded me of Michener's Poland, but covered a shorter time span. At first I felt some of the occurrences seemed too outlandish but the more I learned about Polish history the more convincing the book became! The political intrigues of this country which was erased from the map of Europe for over 100 years are something to learn from. It was fascinating to be reminded of the help Tadeusz Kościuszko gave in our own Revolutionary War and then to see his impact in his own country. Poland is a fascinating land to visit and experience.
June 13, 2019
WOW ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT
As I came to the end of these books, my first thoughts were- This would make a wonderful TV series-
I learned a lot of how Poland fought for their beloved Poland, the love, hatred and betrayal that went on for years is well worth reading.
A very big thanks, and Congratulations to the author,
James Conrody Martin who did such a brilliant job for a magnificent trilogy.
As I came to the end of these books, my first thoughts were- This would make a wonderful TV series-
I learned a lot of how Poland fought for their beloved Poland, the love, hatred and betrayal that went on for years is well worth reading.
A very big thanks, and Congratulations to the author,
James Conrody Martin who did such a brilliant job for a magnificent trilogy.
January 20, 2018
Good read
I love historical fiction and this is a great story of Poland. I did not have much knowledge of the early partitions but had heard a bit from my Russian mother. I know a little more now of my own history. I recommend this trilogy.
I love historical fiction and this is a great story of Poland. I did not have much knowledge of the early partitions but had heard a bit from my Russian mother. I know a little more now of my own history. I recommend this trilogy.
April 4, 2017
I read it to learn of Poland
Little did I know it was a romance spanning two generations. It was a page turn-er and had some battle scenes and lots of repetition in case the reader had not read or remembered earlier sections. But I liked it and will look forward to seeing Poland.
Little did I know it was a romance spanning two generations. It was a page turn-er and had some battle scenes and lots of repetition in case the reader had not read or remembered earlier sections. But I liked it and will look forward to seeing Poland.
June 18, 2017
Interesting time in Polish history, and the novels seem to have interesting insight from the journals they are based on.
January 11, 2026
History, Heartbreak, and Hope in Partition-Era Poland
The Warsaw Conspiracy pulled me in right away with its intriguing, tightly woven story. Beyond the suspense, it gave me a deeper understanding of the long-standing distrust many Poles felt toward Russians, and how the constant presence of the secret police created an atmosphere of fear and paranoia. I also came away with a clearer picture of how the uprising began and the courage it demanded from ordinary people.
One line that stayed with me was the powerful declaration, “Poland has not yet perished while we still live.” It perfectly captures the resilience that runs through the entire novel.
The most emotional moment for me was the parting of Zofia and Anna — a scene that genuinely brought me to tears. Despite the heavy history and heartbreak, I appreciated that the story ultimately offered hope. The “happy ending” felt earned and provided a satisfying close to a tumultuous journey.
Overall, this novel was both moving and enlightening, deepening my understanding of Polish history while touching my heart.
The Warsaw Conspiracy pulled me in right away with its intriguing, tightly woven story. Beyond the suspense, it gave me a deeper understanding of the long-standing distrust many Poles felt toward Russians, and how the constant presence of the secret police created an atmosphere of fear and paranoia. I also came away with a clearer picture of how the uprising began and the courage it demanded from ordinary people.
One line that stayed with me was the powerful declaration, “Poland has not yet perished while we still live.” It perfectly captures the resilience that runs through the entire novel.
The most emotional moment for me was the parting of Zofia and Anna — a scene that genuinely brought me to tears. Despite the heavy history and heartbreak, I appreciated that the story ultimately offered hope. The “happy ending” felt earned and provided a satisfying close to a tumultuous journey.
Overall, this novel was both moving and enlightening, deepening my understanding of Polish history while touching my heart.
March 21, 2023
I gave this book 5 stars because it is a novel well worth reading more than once. The first of the Poland trilogy, this novel begins with the main character, Anna Maria, being orphaned at the age of 17. This novel has so many facets that I don't think I can write a review worthy of its scope. It is based on the diary of an aristocratic Polish woman who lived in the 18th century and follows the invasion and annexation of the entire Polish state by its more powerful and greedy neighbours, Russia, Prussia and the Austrian Empire. It is a story of enduring love, jealousy and greed, but throughout, there is the theme of love of country and divided loyalties. I guess the real heroes in the novel are the Polish people who endured so much adversity throughout history and yet survived and flourished.
April 8, 2018
Solid Historical Fiction
This trilogy is well written and well-researched. I was actually surprised to find out that Martin is not of Polish descent. To be able to immerse himself like he did into a culture and history not his own is rather extraordinary.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes historical fiction. Doubly so to those of us in the Polish diaspora. I'd actually rank it up there with Michener's "Poland" in scope, continuity of narrative, and evocation of the spirit of Freedom.
This trilogy is well written and well-researched. I was actually surprised to find out that Martin is not of Polish descent. To be able to immerse himself like he did into a culture and history not his own is rather extraordinary.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes historical fiction. Doubly so to those of us in the Polish diaspora. I'd actually rank it up there with Michener's "Poland" in scope, continuity of narrative, and evocation of the spirit of Freedom.
April 15, 2020
A Polish Gone with the Wind
This Polish Trilogy is a must read. The engrossing saga of a Polish family's role in the struggle for Polish freedom & independence during the late 18th century and early to mid 19th century The characters are well developed. There is something for everyone in these three books - romance, vivid scenes of war, duplicity, family, history. Highly recommend. A good book to read during this time of staying at home
This Polish Trilogy is a must read. The engrossing saga of a Polish family's role in the struggle for Polish freedom & independence during the late 18th century and early to mid 19th century The characters are well developed. There is something for everyone in these three books - romance, vivid scenes of war, duplicity, family, history. Highly recommend. A good book to read during this time of staying at home
February 21, 2021
I really enjoyed reading these books. The descriptive history was amazing and held my interest. I knew Poland had a lot of history but I had no idea how much the people suffered. Even though this was historical fiction, there was enough truth to the story to believe most of it really happened. Polish people are strong to this day. I would love to visit Poland
September 2, 2024
Captivating
This story (from the diary of a Polish countess!) With all this twists and turns of intrigue and patronage of a mid European family saga.
It is a fascinating read and quite a roller coaster ride.
To say the novel was well researched is an understatement. I couldn't put the book down!
Quite the read and quite the adventure.
This story (from the diary of a Polish countess!) With all this twists and turns of intrigue and patronage of a mid European family saga.
It is a fascinating read and quite a roller coaster ride.
To say the novel was well researched is an understatement. I couldn't put the book down!
Quite the read and quite the adventure.
April 3, 2018
Stop
I loved the first book, enjoyed the second, but wanted to throw the final sequel out the window! I did slam it down a few times. Repeat much? How could the same author write it? I'm relieved to have finished with the book and author.
I loved the first book, enjoyed the second, but wanted to throw the final sequel out the window! I did slam it down a few times. Repeat much? How could the same author write it? I'm relieved to have finished with the book and author.
June 2, 2018
Easy read of Polish history 19th century
I very much liked the author's clear style of writing. This work attempts to cover a lot of ground and eventually becomes somewhat repetitious, but always remains intriguing. Am I now ready for Sienkiewicz?
I very much liked the author's clear style of writing. This work attempts to cover a lot of ground and eventually becomes somewhat repetitious, but always remains intriguing. Am I now ready for Sienkiewicz?
May 15, 2020
Excellent historical narrative
A beautiful balance of battles, intrigue, patriotism, and family. The reader is quickly absorbed into each chapter. The writer writes fluidly and eloquently.
A beautiful balance of battles, intrigue, patriotism, and family. The reader is quickly absorbed into each chapter. The writer writes fluidly and eloquently.
May 7, 2021
I am of Polish descent but know very little about Poland prior to WWII. With this trilogy I learned a great deal of history while being entertained by a wonderful story. I wish they taught history this way rather than teaching dates. Highly recommended!
September 28, 2021
This was a long, but very enjoyable read. I would compare it to Michener’s ‘Hawaii’ or ‘Centennial’ in the breadth and scope of detail. I enjoyed the personal relationships throughout the generations and how certain characteristics flowed through the generations, despite the struggles of each.
I read this because I knew little about Poland, but my husband’s family originated in that small tortured country. His grandmother emigrated alone, to America early in the twentieth century as a young teenager. The timing helped to avoid the horrors of WW1 and WW2. In Poland, she was village educated in a convent school which enabled her to speak, read and write Polish. A sprinkling of other local languages were determined by the most recent invaders to her village. Ultimately proficient in English, her children and grandchildren warmly remember Babci by the Babka she made, and expressions like, “Come here my little Babushka”. But what she passed on inside of her were cultural traditions rooted in the Catholic faith, family traditions, order, and the hope for a peaceful quality of life.
I need to learn more about Napoleon , other than where he slept. I had no idea the influence of the French throughout history.
The end to Aristocracy in Europe was clearly explained throughout the Polish struggle for Independence. That ending was sad, but the book ending was not. Enjoy!
I read this because I knew little about Poland, but my husband’s family originated in that small tortured country. His grandmother emigrated alone, to America early in the twentieth century as a young teenager. The timing helped to avoid the horrors of WW1 and WW2. In Poland, she was village educated in a convent school which enabled her to speak, read and write Polish. A sprinkling of other local languages were determined by the most recent invaders to her village. Ultimately proficient in English, her children and grandchildren warmly remember Babci by the Babka she made, and expressions like, “Come here my little Babushka”. But what she passed on inside of her were cultural traditions rooted in the Catholic faith, family traditions, order, and the hope for a peaceful quality of life.
I need to learn more about Napoleon , other than where he slept. I had no idea the influence of the French throughout history.
The end to Aristocracy in Europe was clearly explained throughout the Polish struggle for Independence. That ending was sad, but the book ending was not. Enjoy!
March 7, 2024
Fantastic Historical Trilogy!
A pulse-racing, "can't be put down" fictional novel of the loves, losses, wars, tribulations, and indomitable spirit of a nation, as witnessed through one family across 50 years and multiple generations, based on actual historical events.
A pulse-racing, "can't be put down" fictional novel of the loves, losses, wars, tribulations, and indomitable spirit of a nation, as witnessed through one family across 50 years and multiple generations, based on actual historical events.
March 29, 2018
Fabulous
Totally engrossed throughout the whole trilogy! I want more! Must read for historical fiction lovers and who desire to learn thru an amazing book!
Totally engrossed throughout the whole trilogy! I want more! Must read for historical fiction lovers and who desire to learn thru an amazing book!
June 15, 2019
Loved the story
The story was intriguing but the war scenes were more lengthy than I personally tolerate well. I’m certain that for historical purposes they were necessary, though.
The story was intriguing but the war scenes were more lengthy than I personally tolerate well. I’m certain that for historical purposes they were necessary, though.
July 3, 2020
Exceptional Book! 💐💐
This is a must read book. It's long, but well worth it. I enjoyed every single page. It's full of mystery, intrege and love.
This is a must read book. It's long, but well worth it. I enjoyed every single page. It's full of mystery, intrege and love.
July 31, 2020
Engrossing historical tale of Poland told in a sweeping narrative that made me think of Gone With The Wind.
September 24, 2022
"In war everyone loses."
A huge piece of Polish history--times three! Little joy in this, but an excellent telling of the resilience of the stalwart Poles. Good characterizations throughout.
A huge piece of Polish history--times three! Little joy in this, but an excellent telling of the resilience of the stalwart Poles. Good characterizations throughout.
July 25, 2024
AMAZING TRILOGY! Could not put these books down! Riveting stories and learned so much history. Easily the BEST historical fiction I have ever read!
February 5, 2024
Great historical fiction adapted from the diaries of a woman who lived during this time. Provides a very thorough understanding of the wars that changed the borders and resulted in the many partitions of Poland. Also a lot of insight into the lives of women with wealth and powder as well as their relationships with their help.
abandoned
February 18, 20182 dimensional romance. Not for me.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews