Władysław Reymont Book order

Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Poland, this epic narrative weaves together rich historical context and profound themes of identity and resilience. The story explores the lives of its characters as they navigate the complexities of a changing society, reflecting the struggles and triumphs of the Polish people. Celebrated for its literary merit, the work showcases the author's masterful storytelling, earning recognition as a significant contribution to world literature.

In 1894, Władysław Reymont, one of Poland's most important writers, went on a walking pilgrimage from the right bank of Warsaw to Jasna Góra, Poland's most important Marian shrine in Czestochowa. He went as a journalist to cover the pilgrimage for the press rather than out of piety. Quickly, however, he was won over by the simple but deep faith of the pilgrims, mostly simple peasants among whom he felt like an outsider. Available in English for the first time, A Pilgrimage to Jasna Góra is a masterpiece of late-nineteenth century journalism filled with astute sociological observations of the Poles and their faith under Russian domination and richly sensuous descriptions of the beauty of the Polish countryside.

Set against the backdrop of social upheaval in late 19th-century Europe, the narrative follows Janina, a young actress who joins a Warsaw theatre company in pursuit of personal freedom. The story unfolds as a slow-burning tragedy, reflecting Reymont's own experiences in the theatre. The term "Comédienne" carries dual meanings, suggesting both the art of performance and the notion of deception, hinting at the darker themes woven throughout the novel. Reymont's exploration of ambition and identity offers a poignant commentary on the struggles of the time.