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Poland

A Novel

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Poland

Written by: James A. Michener
Narrated by: Larry McKeever
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In this sweeping novel, James A. Michener chronicles eight tumultuous centuries as three Polish families live out their destinies. The Counts Lubonski, the petty nobles Bukowksi, and the peasants Buk are at some times fiercely united, at others tragically divided. With an inspiring tradition of resistance to brutal invaders, from the barbarians to the Nazis, and a heritage of pride that burns through eras of romantic passion and courageous solidarity, their common story reaches a breathtaking culmination in the historic showdown between the ruthless Communists and rebellious farmers of the modern age. Like the heroic land that is its subject, Poland teems with vivid events, unforgettable characters, and the unfolding drama of an entire nation.
 
Praise for Poland
 
“Engrossing . . . a page-turner in the grand Michener tradition.”—The Washington Post
 
“A Michener epic is far more than a bedtime reader, it’s an experience. Poland is a monumental effort, a magnificent guide to a better understanding of the country’s tribulations.”—Chicago Tribune
 
“Stunning . . . an unmatched overview of Polish history . . . The families themselves come very much alive, and through them, Poland itself.”—USA Today
 
“A titanic documentary novel.”—The Wall Street Journal Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Middle Ages Imperialism Russia Soviet Union War Self-Determination Polish History
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What the critics say

“Engrossing . . . a page-turner in the grand Michener tradition.”—The Washington Post

“A Michener epic is far more than a bedtime reader, it’s an experience. Poland is a monumental effort, a magnificent guide to a better understanding of the country’s tribulations.”—Chicago Tribune

“Stunning . . . an unmatched overview of Polish history . . . The families themselves come very much alive, and through them, Poland itself.”—USA Today

“A titanic documentary novel.”—The Wall Street Journal
All stars
Most Relevant
It looks like nothing is changed since than...this readings should be compulsory with the hope that we learn something from it.

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I just finished reading Poland, by James Mitchener. (note: “reading” for me is now listening on Audiobook).

I feel compelled to write a Book Review. This is the first that I have ever done since the “book reports” that I wrote in school and that was a long time ago.

Over the past two years I have been consuming a lot of the classics and particularly history in novelized form. “A Tale of Two Cities,” “War and Peace,” “The Brothers Karamazov,” “The Great Gatsby,” “Hawaii,” ”The Source,” “Lonesome Dove” and many more …

As I read more, I have discovered both an ignorance and a yearning for more European history.

“Poland” kept showing up as one of Mitchener’s finest works. I was reluctant because I realized the book would bring me, once more in my life, face to face with the Holocaust. On the other hand, the summary did promise me “In this sweeping novel, James A. Michener chronicles eight tumultuous centuries as three Polish families live out their destinies.”

The first seven centuries covered by Mitchener featured detailed, colourful history, however, the development of the characters and the families was not at the same level as I had experienced in some of his other works, such as “Hawaii.”

Then comes the Twentieth century …

What an epic examination of the century that I was born into! What tremendous flashes of relevance as we navigate the world of 2026!

Relevance to 2026 (#1): I see periodic memes that draw a comparison between Adolph Hitler and Donald Trump. Have no doubt, Adolph Hitler must be whitewashed by several orders of magnitude in order for the comparison to even start to be relevant. This serves only the Holocaust deniers.

Relevance to 2026 (#2): As the “Democratic Socialists” of the 2nd half of the Twentieth Century began to encourage unions to improve life for the factory workers and ship builders of the cities, they also were firm that farmers could never unionize because they would hold the “power of food” over the heads of the city folks. This tug of war between urban and rural has been part of Canada’s fabric for 150 years. This struggle between the Urban, with their factories and transportation, and the Rural with their food and essential minerals, continues at a high tension today.

In 2026 we have a world of memes which purport to “help us think.” I am truly a fan of the historical novel, in this case “Poland,” to also add perpective to our 21st century Thinking Disciplines.

Relevance to 2026

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Although I grew up in a Polish Immigrant village on the prairies of Alberta, I knew nothing about their history. This was so eye-opening! I’ve read plenty on the Holocaust and the Russian Gulags…the Poles didn’t have it any easier- ever! Truly the most tenacious race to grace this planet.
It’s not a pretty tale- but it’s one that all the human race needs to know- especially as the threat of Socialism looms over North America. Add this book to your “must read” list!

Sobering. Shocking. Estimable.

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The scope of the novel is astounding, but the narrator's mangling of the Polish language is more than a little off-putting. Names and places are mispronounced horrendously throughout, but it's most off-putting in a section where a Polish character tries to teach his American wife how to speak Polish. In the non-Polish parts, the narrator is fine, if a bit robotic, but you'd think they'd make an effort to find someone who could handle the language spoken in the titular country.

Great book, but Polish gets mangled

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This is such an interesting subject. It could have been a fascinating book, however the writing is terrible and the narration is worse. Best sleeping pill on earth. You are guaranteed to fall asleep in the first 5 minutes of listening.

Interesting subject. Terrible book

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