Poland

A Novel

By: James A. Michener

Narrated by: Larry McKeever

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

Critic reviews

“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

Outstanding Historical Fiction

A great storyteller, Michener takes you through almost a thousand years of Polish History via the families living along the Vistula river.

Highly recommend!!

Essential Reading

Essential reading in light of current struggle over Ukraine. The slow, precise articulation by the narrator took me a while to get used to; but became more than acceptable as the story unfolded. Having read most of Michener’s historical novels over the years; I believe this “Poland” is his masterpiece.

Poland

I love James Michener & his writing. The history of Poland, woven into the novel is wonderful. The material is very 'heavy' & requires a much better presentation. The narration is so bad, I almost gave up on listening at least twice. The narrator was without any variation & made the material flat & boring.

Good history presented in an entertaining way

Men have dominated other men to their injury throughout history. Did not know Poland had a history of serfs, basically slaves, and lords. Warfare horrible. Rape, murder, destruction. I will never long for the good old days. There were none. Much wicked prejudice against Poles. Even to this day there are wicked Polack jokes, designed to disparage Poles. Did not know the Nazis wanted to wipe out Poles. Very informative about the horrific treatment the Nazis meted out to their victims in the Polish concentration camps. The novel concluded in the 1980s. Sorry when the novel was over.

Length - almost 31 hours a real bargain.

Excellent historical novel

Excellent way to get an overview of the rich history of this magnificent country and people.