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Polish Mother
Bravery and fierce determination are characteristics of many immigrants, yet Stella’s story is uniquely adventurous. Poland under Russian oppression has become intolerable and alone, she travels across Europe, endures a third-class ocean voyage and is detained at Ellis Island where penniless, unescorted, single woman are not permitted to leave. So begins her life in America.
Stella is demure, cultured and lady-like. In stark contrast, her husband is gregarious, tough and mischievous. Together, they run St. Mark’s Hotel in Syracuse, New York, an eating and drinking establishment along the Erie Canal. The hotel is located in one of the busiest sections of the city, serves illegal alcohol through thirteen years of Prohibition and is profitable during ten years of the Great Depression.
Stella’s true nature is revealed over sixty years of motherhood amid two world wars, the freedom and subjugations of Poland, and all the joys and sorrows that come with children – nine of them. When her life comes full circle, it’s a testament to those she nurtured.
Stella is demure, cultured and lady-like. In stark contrast, her husband is gregarious, tough and mischievous. Together, they run St. Mark’s Hotel in Syracuse, New York, an eating and drinking establishment along the Erie Canal. The hotel is located in one of the busiest sections of the city, serves illegal alcohol through thirteen years of Prohibition and is profitable during ten years of the Great Depression.
Stella’s true nature is revealed over sixty years of motherhood amid two world wars, the freedom and subjugations of Poland, and all the joys and sorrows that come with children – nine of them. When her life comes full circle, it’s a testament to those she nurtured.
378 pages, Paperback
Published July 3, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 4, 2024
Polish Mother by Karen Walczyk Prescott is a creative non-fiction novel that is part family memoir and part historical fiction written about her grandmother (Mary Ann) and her great grandmother (Stella). We even get the chance to meet her great great grandmother Jozefa!
The story takes place, first in Russia-occupied Poland, then on to Ellis Island, Connecticut, and finally New York. Stella arrives penniless after a perilous journey, meets up with her father who left the family a decade earlier to leave escape Poland and marry another woman, and eventually finds the man she will marry. However, even love doesn't solve all Stella's problems as she deals with the prohibition, family tragedy's, the depression, WWII, and her husband's betrayal.
Despite all the losses, this is a book about hope and redemption. It is a book about love and what a mother will do to protect her family. It is a book about what it means to be a Polish Mother - one who honors God, family and country. And how, even after generations in America, Polish families pass on these traditions of prayer, food and patriotism.
Excellent read!
The story takes place, first in Russia-occupied Poland, then on to Ellis Island, Connecticut, and finally New York. Stella arrives penniless after a perilous journey, meets up with her father who left the family a decade earlier to leave escape Poland and marry another woman, and eventually finds the man she will marry. However, even love doesn't solve all Stella's problems as she deals with the prohibition, family tragedy's, the depression, WWII, and her husband's betrayal.
Despite all the losses, this is a book about hope and redemption. It is a book about love and what a mother will do to protect her family. It is a book about what it means to be a Polish Mother - one who honors God, family and country. And how, even after generations in America, Polish families pass on these traditions of prayer, food and patriotism.
Excellent read!
October 26, 2022
A wonderfully written memoir creatively written.by the author. I reviewed this book for the Polish American Journal and recommended it wholeheartedly.
January 27, 2023
For those of us who are descendants of immigrants, Polish Mother reminds us of the dogged determination and sacrifice “going to America” has always required. The author takes us on a journey over many decades, following a family who loves their homeland, but comes to realize that opportunity lies elsewhere. Some remain in Poland and some leave, only to return later. But those who reach America and make it their home use every bit of their work ethic, charm, skills and fortitude to shepherd growing families through incredibly trying times. There is tragedy and heartbreak along the way, but there is also unity of purpose and collective effort to succeed with no one left behind. One comes away with a greater appreciation for the myriad ways in which “the lamp beside the golden door” has always made America stronger and better and that immigration is one of the ways in which America truly remains exceptional. May we always have the wisdom to welcome those with the chutzpah and positive energy to make the difficult choice to leave “home” and come to America.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews