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Pilgrimage: A Memoir of Poland and Rome

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"Pilgrimage: A Memoir of Poland & Rome" recounts James A. Michener's trip in 1988 to his beloved Poland and Rome. Michener's novel "Poland" favorably influenced world opinion of the central European country, but at the time the book was written, communist Poland was not entirely happy with the book. Then, in 1988, Poland's government realized the positive effect of his novel, as it accurately portrayed the country in its history, people, and thinking spanning nearly one thousand years. People who have read "Poland" may be interested to read about the impact of Michener's book and insight into the book itself, which is recounted in "Pilgrimage."

Michener traveled on his pilgrimage with a small group of close friends that had great influence in those countries. Arriving in Poland, Michener was bestowed the nation's highest civilian medal for writing the book about the country. The author shared his ideas on the irony of at first being rejected by the country for his book and then welcomed back and thanked for it. Later in Rome, Michener met the Pope for the third time.

Although the book is short, it tells an interesting story that provides insight into who the author is and the dramatic impact that his novel "Poland" has had. One may even learn a few new things about Poland by reading this book. For those that have read "Poland," I would recommend this book for these insights. Those that have not read the book "Poland" may still find this biographical account of a pilgrimage interesting.