The book “The Pianist” by Władysław Szpilman tells the true story of Szpilman, a Jewish pianist, who survives in Warsaw during the Holocaust.
As the city is torn apart by war and the Nazi occupation, he loses his family and struggles to stay alive, finding shelter in the ruins and receiving help from unexpected places. It is a deeply personal account of resilience and survival in unimaginable circumstances.
Bolesław Prus wrote “The Doll,” which tells the story of a wealthy merchant named Stanisław Wokulski, who becomes obsessed with a noblewoman named Izabela. Set in 19th-century Warsaw, it explores the challenges of class divisions and unrequited love.
Alongside Wokulski’s personal struggles, the book paints a vivid picture of a city caught between tradition and modernization, with rich descriptions of its streets, shops, and social life.
“Stones for the Rampart” by Aleksander Kamiński is a story about a group of Polish scouts during World War II who join the resistance to fight against the Nazi occupation.
The book follows three friends—Rudy, Zośka, and Alek—as they navigate the dangers of their secret missions and their deep loyalty to each other. Their acts of courage, such as ambushing enemy patrols, highlight their determination and the sacrifices they make for their country.
Based on true events, it paints a vivid picture of bravery and the cost of war.
Jakub Żulczyk wrote “Blinded by the Lights,” a tense story about a Warsaw cocaine dealer who operates in the shadows of the city’s wealthy and corrupt elite.
The protagonist, a meticulous and cold individual, navigates the drug trade while grappling with a growing sense that his life is spiraling out of control. The book paints a vivid image of Warsaw’s darker side, full of moral gray areas and relentless pressure.
“Chasing the King of Hearts” by Hanna Krall tells the story of Izolda, a Jewish woman from Warsaw during World War II. After her husband is captured by the Nazis, she embarks on a dangerous journey to try to rescue him.
The book follows her through ghettos, prisons, and occupied cities as she risks everything for love and survival.
Leon Uris wrote “Mila 18,” a historical novel that focuses on the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II. The story follows a group of Jewish residents who organize a brave resistance against the Nazis, refusing to give in to their oppression.
It portrays the struggles within the ghetto and the courage of individuals who fight to maintain their dignity in the face of horror.
The novel “The Spring to Come” by Stefan Żeromski takes place in Warsaw during the late 19th century. It follows the lives of young revolutionaries caught up in the fight for Poland’s independence.
The story focuses on activists who face challenges as they wrestle with loyalty, love, and the reality of political upheaval. It’s a vivid portrait of a city under pressure, reflecting the struggles and hopes of its people.
“The Career of Nikodemus Dyzma” by Tadeusz Dołęga-Mostowicz tells the story of an ordinary man who stumbles into high society purely by chance. Nikodemus, a down-on-his-luck clerk, picks up an invitation to an upscale party.
His blunt, unrefined behavior is mistaken for confidence and strength, leading him to rise through Warsaw’s elite circles. Along the way, he manipulates and deceives others to maintain his newfound status, all while exposing the flaws and hypocrisy of those in power.
The book “Flights” by Olga Tokarczuk weaves together stories of travelers, explorers, and wanderers, connecting their lives through themes of movement and the human body.
One part tells of a Flemish anatomist who preserves his wife’s body for study, another follows a woman who disappears during a family holiday in Croatia.
These smaller narratives reflect on change, journeying across places like Warsaw, and how displacement shapes identity and perspective.
“Milkweed” by Jerry Spinelli takes readers into the streets of Warsaw during World War II through the eyes of a young boy named Misha. He is a homeless orphan who survives by stealing to eat and witnessing the harsh realities of life in the city under Nazi occupation.
The story follows his journey as he grows close to a Jewish family, leading him into the horrors of the Warsaw Ghetto. Misha’s innocence and confusion about the world give the book a unique perspective on a dark chapter of history.
“The Book of Aron” by Jim Shepard tells the story of a young Jewish boy named Aron struggling to survive in the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II. Aron becomes part of a group of street kids who smuggle goods to help their families, facing constant danger.
The book also introduces real-life hero Dr. Janusz Korczak, who runs an orphanage and cares for children despite the horrors surrounding them. Through Aron’s eyes, the harsh realities of life in the ghetto come to light.
The novel “Swimming in the Dark” by Tomasz Jędrowski is set in 1980s Poland during a time of political tension. It follows the story of Ludwik, a young man who falls in love with Janusz after meeting at an agricultural camp.
Their romance blossoms in secret, as they face pressures from the oppressive regime and their own conflicting beliefs about loyalty and freedom. The narrative captures the struggles of forbidden love and the choices people make in a repressive society.
Ignacy Krasicki wrote “The Adventures of Mr. Nicholas Empiricus,” a satirical novel about a man who embarks on a journey through different social and philosophical circles in Warsaw.
Nicholas, a naive and curious character, encounters various people who each represent different worldviews, exposing the absurdities and contradictions of the time. The book offers a humorous and critical look at human nature and society in 18th-century Poland.
Isaac Bashevis Singer’s “The Magician of Lublin” follows Yasha, a talented magician in 19th-century Warsaw who struggles to balance his wandering lifestyle and his many affairs with his deeper desires for meaning and connection.
As Yasha’s choices catch up with him, he faces a moment that could change his life forever. The story captures the tensions of ambition, faith, and morality against the backdrop of a lively and often unforgiving city.
The novel “Miranda” by Antoni Lange tells the story of a scientist named Jan Podobłoczny who becomes obsessed with creating the perfect human experience. His experiments introduce him to Miranda, a mysterious and otherworldly woman.
Set partially in Warsaw, the book explores themes of love, ambition, and the quest for knowledge against a backdrop of urban and fantastical settings. It merges science fiction with philosophical questions, offering an imaginative tale.
“Shosha” by Isaac Bashevis Singer takes place in pre-World War II Warsaw and follows the writer Aaron Greidinger as he navigates life in the Jewish quarter. Aaron reconnects with Shosha, a childhood friend who has remained innocent and fragile in a changing world.
The story explores their bond against a backdrop of political instability and personal struggles, reflecting the tensions of the time.
The novel “Without Dogma” by Henryk Sienkiewicz centers on a protagonist named Leon, a wealthy and reflective man, who wrestles with his own indecision and lack of purpose.
Through his personal journal, Leon examines his romantic feelings for a woman named Aniela and his struggles with modern skepticism.
Set against the backdrop of Warsaw and other European locations, the story captures the inner turmoil of a man who feels detached from faith and clear direction in life.