The Hamsa

by E.S. Kraay

"They can take everything you own, everything you cherish and hold dear, but they cannot take your dignity unless you let them. There is a light in the heart of darkness." - The Hamsa. Bronislaw Czech is a dashing Polish highlander born in 1908. His father teaches young Bronek the secrets of the Tatra Mountains while his father's friend, 'The Captain' teaches the boy to ski. He learns well and represents Poland in three Winter Olympic Games, which teach him as much about life as about the sport he loves. He is honored to lead his team and carry the Polish flag into the stadium at Germany's 1936 games in Bavaria. With him always is the hamsa, a good luck charm he receives as a boy in 1923 from a young Jewish girl. When Germany invades Poland in 1939, Czech's mountain skills make him a valuable asset to the Polish resistance and a target for Hitler's SS. From the majesty of Europe's greatest mountains to the shores of America and back, from the height of Olympic glory to the depths of human cruelty and suffering, The Hamsa spans four decades of one man's struggle to preserve his dignity in the face of 'the final solution.'

472 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2010

Reviews

[Susan Dawson-Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This book is written from Bronislaw Czech's point of view. It follows his youth growing up in a remote Polish village, his career as an Olympic skier, and then turns grim after he joins the resistance to fight against the Nazi occupation of his home country. Bronislaw stands up for what he believes in regardless of the risks involved. I found myself cheering for him all the way through the book. This book is a fascinating story about a hero I never would have known about had I not read this book. I feel privileged to have had this up-close introduction to a man who radiates determination, bravery, patriotism, and compassion and love of others. Many other characters, including his loyal dog, Raphael, the Captain (the Polish team coach), and Amalia (the woman he loved growing up), add depth to this read. I highly recommend this book.

[Hannah Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This covers a heavy topic with grace. I don't know how much of it is real or inspired by true events, but the main person was real, and his general story did actually happen. I think this book was well-written and thought provoking

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent rec. for ski racers and history

[Jenny]

I found this book very interesting as some of my ancestors were from Poland. There were gaps in the story and I found Raphael the dog far fetched or was he a dream.