Ogniem i mieczem (Trylogia, #1) in Generation Joshua

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Ogniem i mieczem (Trylogia, #1)

Henryk Sienkiewicz

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Sep 25, 2009 Amy rated it it was amazing

You have probably heard of Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. Your teacher might have made you read the adventures of Wallace or Defoe, but you have likely never heard of Henryk Sienkiewicz. You might enjoy 鈥淟ord of the Rings鈥�, King Arthur, and Robin Hood, but not know 鈥淲ith Fire and Sword.鈥� You have been missing out.
Published in 1884, 鈥淲ith Fire and Sword鈥� is a Polish classic that takes place during the 17th century. Fairly accurate historical fiction, it tells the story of the rebellion of Hmyelnitski You have probably heard of Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. Your teacher might have made you read the adventures of Wallace or Defoe, but you have likely never heard of Henryk Sienkiewicz. You might enjoy 鈥淟ord of the Rings鈥�, King Arthur, and Robin Hood, but not know 鈥淲ith Fire and Sword.鈥� You have been missing out.
Published in 1884, 鈥淲ith Fire and Sword鈥� is a Polish classic that takes place during the 17th century. Fairly accurate historical fiction, it tells the story of the rebellion of Hmyelnitski and the civil war that developed. Themes of patriotism, selflessness, love, growth, friendship, and courage mingle in the fading embers of a golden age of chivalry and knighthood in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. It is also the first book in a trilogy known in Poland as 鈥淭he Trilogy鈥�.
There are several 鈥榤ain鈥� characters, though generally the book follows Skshetuski, known as Pan Yan. This young nobleman and soldier, whose dedication to country and prince, as well as his love for the noblewoman Helen, creates a character you can鈥檛 help but like. Helen is a strong yet feminine woman, who takes everything with a measure of depth and courage, including kidnapping, near death, and flight. She is also loved by the Cossack colonel, Bohun, whose fanatical worship is contrasted to Pan Yan鈥檚 selfless adoration, and whose hate for Pan Yan drives him to the rebellion. Bohun鈥檚 erstwhile companion is Pan Zagloba, a fat nobleman whose love of drink and good company is seconded only to his dedication and fatherly love for the orphaned Helen. His sharp wit and boastful tongue bring an element of comic relief, along with Pan Yan鈥檚 two companions, Pan Longinus and Michal. Michal is a flirtatious, tiny knight and a brilliant swordsman. Pan Longinus is nearly the opposite, an incredibly tall, skinny man whose vow of chastity and long, heavy sword create a memorable character. There is Hmyelnitski, the charismatic leader of the rebels, who instigated the Cossack鈥檚 revolt. Surrounded by his peasant, burgher, petty noble and Tartar allies, he is driven nearly to insanity as he watches the forces he has unleashed. And finally there is Prince Yeremi Vishnovyetzki, the leader of Pan Yan, Longinus, Michal and countless others of the finest soldiers. He is a beloved military commander who gives his strength and fortune for his country, only to be set aside repeatedly by greedy politicians.
Though these may be some of the main characters, the true beauty of 鈥淲ith Fire and Sword鈥� is not found among them. It cannot be discerned in a chapter or with an event. There may be a climax, but that is not where the heart of the tale is found. The books is not about one lord or another. It is about Poland. Whether loyal or disloyal, protagonist or antagonist, every character you meet in this story breathes the life of a nation. Its essence is that of a country and its beauty is that of a people.
There are no words to describe this book. Epic might come close. The adventure, action, characters, and plot all create a masterful story that few can second. I absolutely loved it. The characters are unforgettable, the plot amazing, and the love of country genuine. Though the writing does have a tendency to get heavy, and the numerous name and nick-names of the many characters confusing, it is an absolute must-read.
Like most good books, the author is almost as unique as his work. Henryk Sienkiewicz was born into a family of impoverished Polish nobles and during his lifetime was a tutor, lawyer, journalist and popular novelist. He had a thorough knowledge of literature and Old Polish, married three times (his first wife died, his second left him, and the third was his niece), bought his family鈥檚 ancestral castle, and became a knight of the French L茅gion d'honneur. Sienkiewicz spent two years in California and traveled to London, Paris, Spain, and Africa. He wrote a ton and won the Nobel Peace Prize for Literature!
At 1135 pages, 鈥淲ith Fire and Sword鈥� is an incredibly long book. Do not be intimidated! Action packed and intricate, it is well worth the read. Few can compare. To quote Tcharnyetzki, an old general from the book, 鈥淵ou鈥檒l see all the greed and empty pride and love of luxury that live among us side by side with all those qualities that make our nation walk in glory as bright as the sun through more than six centuries.鈥� You can walk in that glory.
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Oct 24, 2009 Tori rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical, for-genj-book-club, classics, favorites, polish, i-own, i-love-long-books, reread

Ah, what a joy to pick up this book after so many years and remember all the little things I love. I have moved it back to a 5 star read, because now that I'm older I don't worry as much about the fact it's got violent sections (though they are pretty violent, so be warned if you want to read). This book has always been one that has some classic writing faults (Love at first sight and some flawless characters) but it's so good that I just don't care. The characters are just as charming and lovab Ah, what a joy to pick up this book after so many years and remember all the little things I love. I have moved it back to a 5 star read, because now that I'm older I don't worry as much about the fact it's got violent sections (though they are pretty violent, so be warned if you want to read). This book has always been one that has some classic writing faults (Love at first sight and some flawless characters) but it's so good that I just don't care. The characters are just as charming and lovable as ever. The story compelling and interesting. The writing beautiful. I'm sure someday I'll pick it up yet again.

Old Review of Years Ago:
I have, after a year, come back to knock it down a star. Sad :( See, it deserved that fifth star, but there was so much language and gore that no matter how much I loved it, I struggle with it. People have asked: What's that polish novel you go on and on about? And I pause for a moment, realizing I really don't know if I should recommend it or not. Still one of my favorite novels though.

Written for book club upon first reading it:
A civil war, a rivaled love, a country trying pull itself together while it's being ripped apart, and a man caught in the middle of it all. This depicts Henryk Sienkiewicz's With Fire and Sword.
It is an epic tale that draws the reader into the plot, the characters, and the book itself.
When a devastating civil war breaks out in Poland, the country becomes wreathed in the literal and figurative flames of mass rebellion. Blood soaks the ground while attempts to quench the rebellion rise and heighten to form this captivating tapestry of lives coming together and entwining into a complicated and intriguing picture.
The main character, Yan Skshetuski, is a member of the Commonwealth. It is this class of people that the commoners, with the help of the Tartars and others, are trying to bring down. Skshetuski fights under Prince Yeremi Vishnyevetski, a true leader and an interesting character who struggles with how he should save his beloved Poland.
Yan understands that his country comes first and foremost, even above the beautiful Helena whom he loves and dreams of marrying. Helena waits for him, dreaming of his love, while trying to avoid Bogun, a commoner enraptured with her. Even as he fights against Skshetuski, Bogun finds time to go after her, wanting to keep her from Yan and have her for himself. Can Helena avoid him while waiting for her true love?
The love story perfectly rounds out the book. It helps balance all the fighting, without becoming too prominent and taking over the plot.
What really brings this book to life though are the characters. Each and every one is different. They are deep and contrasting and have quirks and mannerisms that endear them to the reader. Most also have struggles and character growth that makes them realistic and believable.
Even though Yan was the main character, there were others that equally took the spotlight. This keeps the readers interest, because they do not have to dwell on one person for too long.
The main theme of the book was loyalty. Skshetuski realized he needed to remain loyal to the commonwealth, to Helena, and to his prince. His friends were loyal to him, helping him through with his difficulties even when tragedy strikes and the going gets tough. They all have a brotherly affection that is so often missed in our culture.
One thing about With Fire and Sword that I find disquieting is the gore. Sienkiewicz was depicting a civil war, which undoubtedly is not a pretty thing, but he could have been a little less descriptive in some parts. In a few instances he graphically describes the mobs activity of killing or someone dying. These questionable elements, along with the drinking and slight use of swear words are there. Anyone who is considering reading this book should keep that in mind.
This book has become my all time favorite novel. It's perfectly balanced. It is interesting and hard to put down. Keeping in mind the above warnings, by all means go and read this book! It might look long and daunting, but it will be hard to put it down once you get started. ...more

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Oct 02, 2012 Jordan marked it as to-read

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