- Paperback: 256 pages
- Publisher: Flamingo; New Ed edition (2 Sep 1996)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 000638692X
- ISBN-13: 978-0006386926
- Product Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.7 x 1.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
806,738 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #18 in Books > Travel & Holiday > Countries & Regions > Europe > Lithuania
- #67 in Books > Travel & Holiday > Countries & Regions > Europe > Poland
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Product Description
Synopsis
In the summer of 1992, accompanied by Philip Marsden, the exiled poet Zofia Hinska stepped into the Belorussian village where she had spent her childhood. The Bronski House is in part the remarkable story of what she found. It is also the story of her mother, Helena Bronska -- of her coming of age during the Russian revolution, her dramatic escapes from Bolsheviks, Germans and partisans, of her love and loss in a now vanished world. It brilliantly reconstructs a world which vanished in 1939 when Soviet tanks rolled into eastern Poland.
From the Back Cover
In 1992, accompanied by Philip Marsden, the exiled poet Zofia Hinska stepped into the Belorussian village where she had spent her childhood. 'The Bronski House' is in part the story of what she found. It is also the story of her mother, Helena Bronska – of her coming of age during the Russian revolution, her dramatic escapes from Bolsheviks, Germans and partisans, of her love and loss in a now vanished world. Philip Marsden has produced a book which has the swept and passion of an epic novel, yet retains the hard edged realism of a brilliant contemporary travel book.
"An old but splendidly imagined fish, part novel, part reverie. Marsden has a dazzling gift for poetic evocation – and for reminding us that Britain is not an island."
JOHN FOWLES, 'Spectator'
"An extraordinary, multi-faceted narrative. From diaries and memories it recreates the true story of two polish women – mother and daughter – amid the destruction of a whole culture"
COLIN THUBRON, 'Daily Telegraph'
"He is an exquisite writer, with the elegant style, light historical touch and detachment of a storyteller…incandescent…the best travel writing I have read on Poland."
SIMON SEBAG MONTEFIORE, 'Sunday Times'
"A tragic, uplifting elegy to a remarkable family. Philip Marsden's work will invigorate travel literature by helping to propel it over the boundary into unexplored territory."
RORY MACLEAN,'Times Literary Supplement'
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I loved the intimacy of this book. The sense of the relationship between the writer and his subject - a dear friend - and between those that peopled Zofia's life, predominantly her family, in Belorussia, Russia and Poland. The only thing lacking for me was that I liked Zofia, and want to know more about her life when she came to England, a different life, coloured very differently from the one she knew, which is recorded here. I wanted to know more about her poetry and how she came to it. And more of those she came to love here. If you like people you will love this book. If you are facinated by other cultures, other voices, then this book should be one on your list. It evokes its 'characters' vividly and the senses of sound, smell, sight and texture roll through the pages - you will be there. It is all between these covers. A passionate recommendation for a book of the drama and passion of a Slavic life! And the solidity and warmth of a Cornish friendship.
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I am Polish and I actually read this book in Polish translation (which was masterly). It describes a vanished world of the Polish landed gentry inhabiting the Eastern reaches of Poland. My own family came from a similar background and it was like listening to my grandmother's stories of her youth. I even found a member of my own family mentioned (briefly). From my own understanding of the world described, I'd say that it is beautifully accurate in detail and I shall certainly be buying a copy to give to friends who may be interested in the cultural background which contributed to making me the person I am.
It is a moving and beautiful book. Buy it!
It is a moving and beautiful book. Buy it!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book was brilliat- a story based on fact, but written so beautifully that it was magical- I didn't want it to finish, and will be buying more books by this author. His descriptions, the way in which he brings the people to life, and the sheer determination of this family to survive against the odds is truly amazing.I am a fan of books/novels about Russia, and this is the first that I have read about Poland, and it was well worth it.
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