Around the World in Books discussion

Just got the book from the library and am going to start today!

This is one of the best books I have ever read! Maybe it's because my father was from Poland and came to the US after the war and part of it takes place around that time or maybe it's because I have spent so much time in Krakow and can relate to the other parts of the book. I love how Pasulka weaves the two stories together and how you can see the subtle parallels between Poland coming out of the war and Poland changing after the fall of communism.

I also love the use of Polish words interspersed in the book as it added to the feeling of being there and drew you in to the story even more. The characters are developed well as is the setting (I had a very vivid picture of Krakow and as I have been there knew the places and feelings of modern day Krakow to be very true). Be prepared to be really moved by the characters and their circumstances!

Interesting insight into Poland during the second world war and its impact on the polish people then and now. I've enjoyed the read and learned more about this part of the world but I always find these accounts of the WW2 and its aftermath in eastern Europe very disturbing. Its not that long ago that all these horrible things happened in Europe. Its interesting to compare this book with an earlier read about Estonia which is more dramatic in its portrayal of the social impact of Soviet occupation and its lingering effects.