Romance
1930; Poland’s economy is beginning to suffer as a result of the Great Depression.
Kind-hearted but naïve Marianna lives with her parents in the rural village of Zalipie in southeast Poland. This small farming community is all she has ever known, and she dreams of a different life in the city. A whirlwind romance with Leon, a dashing but egotistical musician, leads to a hasty marriage providing her with an opportunity for change.
Leon’s father, Stanislaw, runs the local grocery store in Kazimierz, a busy district of Krakow. His fellow shopkeepers and their families are a close-knit, diverse community and they welcome the couple with open arms, but the lives of the inhabitants of this small row of shops will be changed forever by the arrival of the newlywed couple.
Using rich descriptive prose, Barbara Pearman sets a series of scenes around everyday life that provide a range of insights into the diverse cast of characters’ personal lives, recollections and sometimes wild imaginings.
Here's what readers have to say about this book....
I really enjoyed this book. The author describes the characters skilfully, keeping the reader completely involved in their lives, I was hooked right from the start.
I can honestly say I haven't enjoyed such a fascinating story for a long time. It is beautifully written. I felt as if I knew all the characters personally (and will miss them in my life) like friends. My perfect book.
The author skilfully creates a family of characters, chronicling their everyday struggle with adversity and the uncertainty of their future. In the midst of these turbulent times, a moving love affair creates both tension and emotional charge to the narrative.
Finished this amazing book late at night (much later than usual sleep time but had to finish!). VERY clever ending. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole book with its intricately-weaved story line.
A spellbinding read. I was captivated from start to the finish.
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