Giant

In this review of Aga Maksimowska’s Giant, Andrew Borkowski, whose Copernicus Avenue won the 2012 Toronto Book Award, may well be giving us a glimpse of next year’s winner.

Tatra Highlander Folk Culture in Poland and America

The longtime director of PIASA, Thaddeus Gromada, is a proud góral, as this book about Poland’s highlanders, reviewed by Anna Jaroszynska-Kirchmann, clearly shows. And take a look at his jump over the ciupaga. This is no armchair góral.

The Warsaw Conspiracy

James Conroyd Martin’s very popular Polish trilogy is now complete. Martin has a genuine fondness for his characters, says reviewer Maureen Mroczek Morris, as does the reader.

The Eagle Unbowed

Halik Kochanski’s The Eagle Unbowed took western scholars and media by storm, garnering rave reviews. Mikolaj Kunicki of Notre Dame University weighs in with his thoughts.

Opening the “Iron Curtain”

There are some things that Poles have always known, but Western readers are only now finding out. Anne Applebaum’s book, Iron Curtain, suggests Piotr Wróbel, makes people think and ask questions. About time.

Róża

A grainy lens, drab colours, grim content, and yet, “Róża is one of the prettiest films I’ve seen in some time,” says reviewer Jodi Greig. It’s the award-winning genius of director Wojciech Smarzowski.

Quo Vadis, Wisława?

Where is Szymborska going?

Benjamin Paloff suggests that she is, in fact, staying; she has a lasting place in our literature, her poems have that special quality that enables them to unfold into variations of themselves.

How I Survived Socialism: A Self-Help Guide for Worried Americans

The regime was harsh, the system absurd but rules made up in Moscow were no match for the individualistic Poles. Magda Romanska’s delightful piece shows us how it was done. Elegantly, of course.

A Great American with a Polish Heart: General Edward L. Rowny

General Edward Rowny, at 96, continues his life of service to his own country while honoring the life and legacy of a great Pole, Ignacy Jan Paderewski.

The Death of Captain Pilecki and Dealing with the Communist Past

Poland’s magnificent non-violent revolution altered the course of history. Justice demands that this history be not forgotten.

Pilecki, Poland and Hollywood: A Conversation with Marek Probosz

In a conversation with Justine Jablonska, the multi-talented actor/writer/director speaks of the honor and responsibility of playing Witold Pilecki, a hero whose story could not be suppressed.

Europe, Bicycles and Me


She learned a lot while studying in Europe, says Kinia Adamczyk, one of the most important being the mastery of urban cycling skills.

Freedom Climbers

Patrice Dabrowski reviews Bernadette McDonald’s gripping and heart-wrenching chronicle of the greatest Himalayan climbers of the 20th century. Winner of the American Alpine Association’s Literary Award, the Grand Prize at the Banff Mountain Book Festival, and Britain’s Boardman Tasker Prize.