POLAND

Rating:
Summary: Can't Put Down
Review: Read this while touring through southern Poland in 2003. Lent a tremendous a poignant insight to this highly understood country in the turbulent heart of Europe's history. Highly recommend tying this to a visit to Krakow's historical museum (Czartowski - spelling?) as well as the Jewish quarter and Auschwitz.

Rating:
Summary: Truly great historical novel
Review: There's only one thing that could describe the reviews by Hecht. Hate. And one remarkably similar to hate propagated by the Nazis. James Michener's book proved to be well researched and objective. The novel has an added credibility of being written by an American author, one with no apparent agenda to vilify or glorify any one group of people. This is further reinforced by his portrayal of the scandalous behavior of Polish magnates that resulted in Poland being torn apart by the neighboring powers. For anyone to think that Michener somehow favored Polish view of history is simply ridiculous. His reliance on facts, however, is commendable. "Poland" is an incredibly interesting, educating and enjoyable read, one not deserving the hateful scrutiny of the reviewer mentioned previously. It is such malignity that drives the terrible events with which human history is scared.

Rating:
Summary: James Michener's best novel
Review: This is one of James Michener's best novels. Thoroughly enjoyable and is a source of pride for all Polish people.