The Best Polish Restaurant in Buffalo

By: William Kowalski

Narrated by: Elizabeth Wiley

A masterful blend of historical and modern fiction by a best-selling, award-winning author, The Best Polish Restaurant in Buffalo chronicles a century of life in America for one humble Polish farm girl and three generations of her descendants in Buffalo, New York.

©2017 William Kowalski (P)2019 Tantor

Strength and persistence of the human condition

This book delicately delivered multiple aspects of education and inspiration. The messages of stoically moving through strife, empowering a faithful work ethic as a privilege, and earning respect by asserting confidence and engaging empathetically with everyone, were reiterated and meaningfully compounded throughout. In addition to the opportunities for new learning and growth, the book was enjoyable holding my interest with relatability exposing the spectrum of the human condition. Sensory and specific details kept me present in the story setting but the author was selectively sparing in the more severe incidents.

There are many historical horrors that must be acknowledged but are often difficult to observe through reading, more distressing to imagine and unfathomable to experience. This author included these events objectively along with factual documentation. Then, instead of a descriptive detailing of that events setting, he noted the effect and feelings of the character who had experienced it, thereby granting the reader leniency and an opportunity to reflect and absorb within their ability. Often it is the furtherest removed from such experiences that are the most unaware of others plights because their own personal perception is limited. When a protected and privileged person attempts to discern the disposition of another so different and disadvantaged, they are often disconcerted as dark truths are felt and formulated into the reality of a profound pain that was implausible and remains unacceptable. When occurrences cannot be observed, understood, or acknowledged due to fear, shock, shame, helplessness, or disbelief, we disengage in denial back into the comfort of complacency. We cannot always completely realize the condition of another, yet it deserves a respectful acknowledgment. Apprehension and ignorance inhibit understanding and connections. The author accommodates us through weakness so that we can further our understanding and remain open to the unknown, and potentially nurture evolvement.
This art work of cognition was so considerately and carefully constructed that I was committed to continue on to the conclusion. This was a very worthwhile read/listen and I am enriched and improved by it.