Customer Reviews

Against a Crimson Sky: A Novel

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Although Anna and Zophia return, it is Poland and its breathtaking history that occupies so much of the reader's concentration in this second novel. From Jerzy, the secretive peasant who is the father of Zofia's child, to Pawel and the Polish Lancers and their faith in the doomed Napolean, to Jan and Anna's three children, there seems never a letdown in the drama. It is packed with history about a country that literally disappeared having been invaded and divided to death. The heart of the Polish people, coupled with traditions that survived the centuries, stand out it this book and make it well worth the read.

Historical fiction is my favorite genre-both for intriguing reading and for bringing a personal dimension to events that are usually portrayed in a dry, factual way. James Conroyd Martin's book, Against a Crimson Sky, is the best of all possible worlds: a well-plotted, well-written, fascinating account of a strong and unique heroine. The setting in Poland is the piece de resistance: my ancestors, while not of the nobility (minor or otherwise), were Polish, and Martin's book brings to life a time and place that has been difficult for me to imagine.

Against a Crimson Sky continues the story, begun in the author's first novel, Push Not the River (St. Martin's Press, 2003) of Anna Maria Berezowska, an ancestor of Martin's friend, John A. Stelnicki. The Stelnicki family kept Anna's diary, written in her teens, sealed in wax for several decades and only recently translated it from the original Polish. Set in partitioned Poland in the 1790s, some of the events in Push Not the River seem hard to believe: Anna's dangerous winter journey and Zofia's promiscuous behavior among others. As the story develops, however, both the individual characters and the historical events taking place in Poland bring this important era in Poland's history vividly to life. As the book closes, Poland has been erased from the map of Europe by those who feared her Third of May Constitution, the first democratic constitution in Europe. Anna's stormy early years take a turn to what she hopes will be a quiet life with her handsome suitor, Jan Stelnicki.

Against a Crimson Sky picks up where Push Not the River ended. Anna's diary did not continue past 1794, therefore Martin had to imagine Anna and Jan's life over the next 20 years. His imagination is more than equal to the events laid out for him in the diary: the emotion and turmoil of the first book are not abated in the second. Anna becomes Jan's wife and is mother to three children, only two of whom are Jan's. A strong Polish woman struggling during bitter and lonely times, Anna does whatever is necessary to keep her children safe from those who would manipulate or harm them. Her cousin Zofia's eyebrow-raising exploits add another bittersweet note to the story, and provide a glimpse into the life of the Polish szlachta (minor nobility) as well as some of the Polish social customs of that era.

Poland's situation at the turn of the 19th century provides a riveting setting. It is the time of Napoleon, who plays on the hopes and dreams of the Polish people, promising much in return for their support of his ambitious plans. Hoping for a return to an independent Poland, Jan joins those who fight for Napoleon. Ultimately, his sons participate in Napoleon's ill-fated march to Moscow, where Poland's hopes of liberty are crushed along with Napoleon's reputation.

While Anna and Jan's story will captivate any reader who enjoys historical fiction, Poland's story is even more compelling, especially for those of us whose ancestors originated there. The ideals and strength of these determined people, who vowed never to lose their national identity-and did not, through many years of partition and expatriation-will resonate with anyone of Polish ancestry.

The Polish-American community has recognized Martin's contributions. The American Institute of Polish Culture recently chose him as a Gold Medal recipient, to be awarded in January 2007. But even beyond that, James Martin is a fine writer, whose skills in his first book are even more evident in his second. Whether or not he chooses Poland as the subject matter, I eagerly await his next book.

Reviewer: Nancy Maciolek Blake

I read James Conroyd Martin's first novel, PUSH NOT THE RIVER, when it was released in 2001. I found it captivating and thrilling on the scale of Margaret Mitchell's GONE WITH THE WIND, which seems to be the benchmark for all epic novels (and by the way, any Hollywood producers reading this, PUSH NOT THE RIVER would make an equally thrilling and, I'm sure, lucrative film project as that book's film version). I was quickly caught up in PUSH NOT THE RIVER, a world I knew very little about when beginning the journey. I really could not put the book down and read it straight through. In the ensuing years, since reading Mr. Martin's first novel, the characters and their dramatic historic experiences never left me. Mr. Martin's characters visited my imagination from time to time over the last five years, when I least expected them. They were always welcome guests.

Upon reading a press release that Mr. Martin was writing a follow-up book to PUSH NOT THE RIVER called AGAINST A CRIMSON SKY, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. I wondered if he could match the high standard of writing he demonstrated in his first book, and if I would get as involved in its sequel. AGAINST A CRIMSON SKY did not disappoint.

From the first page of AGAINST A CRIMSON SKY I had no doubts that Mr. Martin is not just a one-book wonder. I was drawn in from the beginning. It had been several years since I read the first book. Within a very few pages I was reminded who these characters were, and all they had experienced in the first book. I still knew these people and the Poland of the late 18th and early 19th Centuries. And I cared about them deeply. Once Mr. Martin had quickly reintroduced me to his characters, the ride began. I was immediately swept into the chaos and madness of the Napoléonic vision for a new Europe, and that excitement lasted until I closed the book after reading the final page.

I have no doubt that AGAINST A CRIMSON SKY would be equally as compelling and thrilling to any person who had not had not read the first novel. For anyone who enjoyed PUSH NOT THE RIVER, it's new companion book, AGAINST A CRIMSON SKY, is a welcome new friend. For those who are only acquainted with the second book, I have no doubt it stands as a complete work by itself. And I can't imagine those people not wanting to then read the first book. It holds up as a complete work in itself as well. I thoroughly enjoyed both.

A few years ago, Polish jokes were taken for granted as humorous, harmless and accurate representations of Poles. Mr. Martin obliterates those stereotypes and misconceptions. After reading both PUSH NOT THE RIVER and AGAINST A CRIMSON SKY, and learning of the nobility of these progressive, proud and oppressed people, I'm ashamed of every Polish joke I ever told or laughed at.

I read this book after Push Not the River and highly recommend to readers to read the books in order. You will not feel the emotional connection to Anna without the background history of the first book.

I haven't read anything other than biographies since high school, and these two books had me riveted. They put the reader on an emotional roller coaster as you follow Anna and the incredible struggles she endures. I just had to keep reading to find out what happens to her.

Martin is very skilled at weaving historical and contextual references into his story. I would add that you don't have to be Polish to appreciate or understand the story. A must read!

"Against a Crimson Sky" takes a gripping historical look at the final partition of Poland (1795), it's people, and tells the personal story of the Stelnickis. Martin uses a grand, sweeping style reminiscent of epic storytelling to paint a vivid picture of the era. "Against a Crimson Sky" is a book that can easily be visualized on the movie screen.

The story beings in 1794 shortly after the Russians invade Poland before the country's final partition. Zofia Gonska is pulled from a river escaping death. Switching scenes, Countess Anna Berezowska-Grawlinska (minor Polish nobility) makes her way back home to Sochaczew after the Russian invasion of Praga and reunites with her lover, Count Jan Stelnicki. As Poland is finally taken over by Russia, Prussia, and Austria, Anna and Jan get married and start their family.

Zofia, Anna's cousin, had previously tried to keep Anna and Jan apart. Now, she finds herself drawn to the peasant boy who saved her, Jerzy. Zofia though is like a bird that can't stay still and the peasant life isn't for her. She leaves Jerzy and returns to Praga, a town just outside of Warsaw, and gives birth to her daughter, Izabel.

Anna and Zofia make peace, yet Jan finds married life unable to satisfy his restless nature. When Napolean hints that he would return Poland to the Poles, Jan and his friend, Pawel, join the Emperor's legion, leaving Anna to raise their three children, Jan Michel, Tadeusz, and Barbara. Anna, uncomfortable with the local magistrate, Dolinski, leaves Sochaczew and moves in with Zofia at Praga.

As Napoleon marches across Europe, Anna and Zofia, as members of Poland's nobility, help to entertain various European dignitaries, including Russia's Czar, Alexander, and even Napolean himself. Zofia is always in the thick of Polish intrigue while Anna prefers to keep her eyes on her boys who have gone to military school.

After years apart, Jan is reunited with Anna in Sochaczew as their boys join Napolean's march into Russia. This time it's Anna who leaves Jan to work as a nurse in Praga. As Napolean's march into Russia holds the promise of a reunited Poland, will Jan and Anna's marriage withstand another separation? The end of the novel is surprising and satisfying.

The book's historical backdrop is intriguing and the supporting cast is not only dynamic, but strong in it's own right. Zofia, Pawel, Charlotte, and Dolinski have their own interesting stories to share. Anna is a vibrant lead character in her own right and is a steady, grounding force during the turbulent times of the book. Anna's nobility, whatever the situation, always shines through.

The pace is quick and the writing is sharp. The book is a sequel to "Push Not the River," but stands on it's own. For an exciting look at Poland's struggles and the human condition in the face of war, "Against a Crimson Sky," is a book that will keep the reader turning the page.

Against A Crimson Sky came in the mail today and I couldn't wait to begin reading. I ordered it as soon as I finished Push Not the River and I wanted to know what would happen to Anna. These two books were a great way to learn about Polish history and there is nothing dry about them. From the beginning of the saga you fall in love with Anna and worry about her scheming cousin Zofia. So many unfair things happen to Anna and to Poland. Even if you know the history you still hope for a happy ending. If you like historical fiction or romance or books set in foreign countries this will be an unforgettable read!

I compare James Conroyd Martin's writing to that of my other favorite author Nicholas Sparks. It has always surprised me to find men who are capable of " getting inside a women's head" to write a woman's story with tenderness and passion. These men have created stories that depict strong women struggling to survive in harsh, almost impossible situations. Martin's book is a historical romantic fiction depicting the life of Countess Anna Maria Berezowka , picking up her life in 1794 and her struggle to survive Poland's political unrest and Napoleon's march against Russia in 1812 promising freedom to her country, but at what cost? Anna also contends with her conniving cousin and Zofia's efforts to keep Anna away from her one true love, Lord Jan Stelnicki. I could not put these books down and ran to read every free moment I had to keep up with the story. I bought both books at one time and I am glad I did. Read Push Not The River first and enjoy the continuing saga, Against A Crimson Sky. I can't wait for his next novel.
Mr. Martin is a teacher and chairman of English Dept in Marian High School, a well known college prep high school in Chicago Heights, Illinois.

While fleeing the Russian assault on Warsaw, the arrogant Countess Zofia falls off a suburban bridge into the River Vistula only to be rescued by a teenage peasant and his grandfather. When she recovers, she returns to the capital to stay at the home of her suitor Count Pawel, whose previous offer of marriage she has rejected as Zofia plans to wed Napoleon. However, she is carrying a child so Zofia must modify her plans for now as the Little Emperor remains her ultimate objective.

At the same time, Zofia's cousin Anna has married her true love Lord Jan Stelnicki, who tries to be a father to her son Jan Michal, an offspring of a rape (see PUSH NOT THE RIVER). Anna soon gives birth to their son, Tadeusz at time when supoerpowers Austria, Prussia and Russia divide the nation and force the Polish King Stanislaw into exile who seeks help from Napoleon. As Zofia, who has given birth to a daughter, manipulates her way up the aristocratic elite ladder, Pawel plots to place Tadeusz on the throne, and Jan joins the resistance while his wife worries and rusticates raising their two sons alone even as the years move on

AGAINST A CRIMSON SKY continues the saga of Anna Berezowska and her family as Poland is caught in a deadly vise from its more powerful neighbors. The story line provides a feel for the history, but is more a historical romance spanning over two decades of two people (Jan and Anna) trying to do what they feel is right for their country yet also keep their loved ones safe. In many devious ways Zofia is the star of the tale as a Lady Macbeth plotting at the cost of others (collateral damage) to achieve her goal. Fans of Polish historical tales and Regency era romances but in central Europe will enjoy James Conroyd Martin's fine sequel.

I had such high hopes after being enthralled with "Push Not the River" that I couldn't wait for this to show up after I ordered it. But I am thoroughly disappointed after reading "Crimson Sky." I'm surprised it's gotten such good reviews. This book drags on and on, mostly without plot, and jumps forward decades at a time. In fact, it reads more like a history lesson on war in Poland and the surrounding countries than an intriguing story of an admirable woman (like Push Not the River), and per the author's note it is NOT based on actual diaries as was the first book: it is the authors "prediction" of what may have happened in Anna's life after the diaries ended.

I actually stopped caring about what happened to the characters about half-way through, and was disgusted with myself because I loved them so much in the first book. I did manage to read the complete novel, but it was an effort toward the end. Unless you are a glutton for historical detail with no immediate need for a plot, save your time - read "Push Not the River" and skip this one. Try "The Tea Rose" by Jennifer Donnelly instead.

I could hardly put this book down. Thank you for letting me know I would enjoy this book after reading "Push Not The River" and "Against A Crimson Sky". I can't wait to order another book by Mary Sharrett.