What would you like to read?Search books, authors, genres, shelves, users...
Search books, authors, genres, shelves, users...Search books, authors, genres, shelves, users...
What would you like to read?Search books, authors, genres, shelves, users...
Search books, authors, genres, shelves, users...Search books, authors, genres, shelves, users...
Henryk Sienkiewicz
Translated by Maila Talvio
A historical novel written in the late 19th century. The work captures a pivotal time in Polish history, particularly reflecting on the tumultuous conflicts involving Poles and Cossacks during the 17th century. The narrative hints at the struggles between these two groups, focusing on characters like Zenobi Abdank and Jan Skrzetuski, as they navigate the treacherous political and military landscapes of their time. The opening of the novel sets a foreboding tone, describing the year 1647 as a time of unnatural occurrences and impending doom. Nature itself seems to conspire against the land, with ominous signs like locust swarms and solar eclipses. As chaos brews, the narrative introduces the vast emptiness of the steppes and the looming threat of conflict, where bandits and soldiers intertwine. A pivotal encounter unfolds when a group of soldiers discovers a Cossack leader, who has just escaped an attempted assassination. This event marks the beginning of a narrative rich with intrigue, highlighting themes of bravery, loyalty, and the complexities of identity amidst a backdrop of war.
