Full Circle: A Homecoming to Free Poland [Hardcover]

Radek Sikorski (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 12, 1997

A Polish man returns to Poland to rebuild an old house and recounts his struggle to restore the house while his nation seeks to rebuild itself through democracy and justice. 17,500 first printing.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Sikorski, a journalist who was deputy defense minister in the first Solidarity government, weaves the dramatic events of Poland's recent history into his own return from exile. At his book's center is a project to restore his family's manor house?"my contribution to rebuilding Poland, and a last battle against the Communists." Sikorski relives his childhood and daily life in Communist Poland and also writes passionately about his parents' lives during World War II. The most intriguing portions of his book deal with the early days of Solidarity and the risks involved for anyone who participated (the author had to flee to England for several years). He also delves into the history of the town of Bydgoszcz, where his house is located. Sikorski connects the dramatic political and cultural changes of postcommunism to the daily lives of average people and proclaims that a "civilizational revolution" has occurred. Valuable for its depiction of communism's profound impact, this is recommended for academic and large public libraries.?Thomas A. Karel, Franklin & Marshall Coll. Lib., Lancaster, Pa.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Involved in Poland's Solidarity movement as a young man, Sikorski went on to become a journalist of international repute; and after years in exile, he returned to Poland, where he served briefly as a government minister. Essentially a celebration of his efforts to rebuild a rural manor house, Sikorski's book pays homage to these rural Polish buildings, which in the mind of the author are symbols of his homeland's cultural heritage. In chronicling an adventure in renovation and reconstruction, Sikorski seizes the opportunity to explore Polish history, preserving fragments of his own family's story and reminiscing about the experience of growing up under Communist rule. Sikorski writes with considerable ease, imbuing his candid saga of childhood memories and historical events with a satisfying relevance. Alice Joyce

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster; 1St Edition edition (June 12, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684811022
• ISBN-13: 978-0684811024
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #798,266 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent story ... history up close and personal!, July 15, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Full Circle: A Homecoming to Free Poland (Hardcover)

If you are interested in the history of Poland, and want to learn about contemporary life in that country, but are tired of reading dry accounts written by someone without a real connection to the country and its people... this book is for you!

I enjoyed the manner in which Mr. Sikorski provides both a personal and national history, woven together to keep the reader interested. I would have enjoyed more details about the actual reconstruction of his manor house. However, his insights into the post-Communist government, it strengths and weaknesses, and his accounts of involvement in the Solidarity movement were very interesting.

I hope he writes another installment when he eventually finishes the manor house and the current Polish government has a chance to play out its role in Polish and world history.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inside view of modern Polish history, December 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Full Circle: A Homecoming to Free Poland (Hardcover)

When Poland emerged from under the mantle of Communism I followed the news avidly. This is the reality of what was going on behind the scenes. I have, for example, completely changed my mind about Walesa. It's a great read but I must criticize it for being too sparse with it's stories. Having been in such a priveleged position the author surely must have been able to give us more. I echo the sentiment that there must be a follow up. The juxtaposition of reconstructing your house while helping to reconstruct your nation is beautiful!