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lethanibooks's review against another edition
3.0
I won a copy of this book on Goodreads First-Reads, so thanks to the author (Michelle Granas) for send me a free copy. My writing in english isn´t good enough but I´ll try to make an acceptable review.
I started this book with any expectations on it. I hadn´t heard about it and the only thing I knew was the synopsis. The plot didn´t interest me at all but I wanted to learn something about Poland since I had read anything about this country.
I was right, the plot is simple and I didn´t really enjoy it. I mean, the important things in this book are the writing style and the characters. I really liked the way the story was written, with a lot of humour and gravity at the same time. It keeps you on reading. Besides, it has those lovely characters whome you get attached to even if you don´t want to. The relationships between them are very realistic, so you identify yourself with them. These are the reasons that made me enjoyed this book so much.
I learned a lot with the fragments of Polish history, they were very interesting.
I cried a lot with the end, it was very heart-touching.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants a quickly read with a bit of Polish history and lovely characters.
I started this book with any expectations on it. I hadn´t heard about it and the only thing I knew was the synopsis. The plot didn´t interest me at all but I wanted to learn something about Poland since I had read anything about this country.
I was right, the plot is simple and I didn´t really enjoy it. I mean, the important things in this book are the writing style and the characters. I really liked the way the story was written, with a lot of humour and gravity at the same time. It keeps you on reading. Besides, it has those lovely characters whome you get attached to even if you don´t want to. The relationships between them are very realistic, so you identify yourself with them. These are the reasons that made me enjoyed this book so much.
I learned a lot with the fragments of Polish history, they were very interesting.
Spoiler
I loved Maks and Hania, my favourite characters. I was expecting all the book to find out the reason of the title and I was so satisfied when I found out that was a quote from Maks!! What a cutie boy! On the other hand, I felt identified with Hania and her relationship with Konstanty.I cried a lot with the end, it was very heart-touching.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants a quickly read with a bit of Polish history and lovely characters.
mon_ique's review against another edition
4.0
Much too short!
Oo how sweet! I teared up a little at the end (excusez-moi) but the romance was believable, clean and really really sweet. On the other hand, there is a 15 year old who got pregnant by some married scum-man, and one descriptive paragraph of a voluminous but thin woman in contrast with Hania in the beginning, but everything else was pretty much fine. I liked how obesity is realistically portrayed here. It doesn't excuse the behavior and prejudice some people show to those who are obese, but this book doesn't flaunt obesity as something to be proud of (Hania actually loses some weight as she's too distracted with everything else going on to eat a bunch of bread and sugar).
I love when I book meets my expectations! (Although I really hated the whole 15 year old getting pregnant thing that was pretty obvious, but Hania was a little slow to get it) Plus, what horrible parents!!! This does not reflect well on Polish parents haha.
Maks was cute:)
P.S. Honestly? I skipped past some of the history stuff :-)
Oo how sweet! I teared up a little at the end (excusez-moi) but the romance was believable, clean and really really sweet. On the other hand, there is a 15 year old who got pregnant by some married scum-man, and one descriptive paragraph of a voluminous but thin woman in contrast with Hania in the beginning, but everything else was pretty much fine. I liked how obesity is realistically portrayed here. It doesn't excuse the behavior and prejudice some people show to those who are obese, but this book doesn't flaunt obesity as something to be proud of (Hania actually loses some weight as she's too distracted with everything else going on to eat a bunch of bread and sugar).
I love when I book meets my expectations! (Although I really hated the whole 15 year old getting pregnant thing that was pretty obvious, but Hania was a little slow to get it) Plus, what horrible parents!!! This does not reflect well on Polish parents haha.
Maks was cute:)
P.S. Honestly? I skipped past some of the history stuff :-)
supersatan's review against another edition
4.0
Hania is a great character and I loved reading a story set in Poland. More fat representation please!
irissantos's review against another edition
5.0
A marvellous book, hard to write down in words.
A simple plot, that doesn't sound too promising turns out to be one of the best books I've ever read.
After the death of Natalia Lanski, a great Polish pianist, her granddaughter Hania flies back from New York, where she works as a piano teacher to - initially - attend the funeral and spend some time with her Polish family, with whom she hasn't been since she was six.
She finds the house upside down with two chaotic children - Maks and Kalina - to be taken care of, for her dismay. Their father is a famous pianist, traveling through Europe on gigs, while their mother is a painter. But they're the worst parents one could wish for, they're negligent and totally unaware (purposedly) of their children's behaviour. Maks and Kalina were accostumed to being left alone for weeks or even months, being left unattended and ignored by their parents.
Hania finds out that their parents won't be coming back any time soon so she is in charge of them. Needless to say that these children have no idea of what respect is or what it represents. Hania is probably the most patient character I've ever seen in a book, never giving up on them, knowing they were not her responsibility and taking care of them with her own short income.
In the meantime she meets her upstairs neighbour - Konstanty - who is a doctor with a deep passion for History. He hands her annotations of his texts in Polish to be translated into English and a beautiful romance flourishes out of this interaction. As they keep exchanging e-mails, they fall in love. But Hania doesn't feel any good about her looks: she's obese and it affects her views in many levels in her life, including her love life.
Although there is a minor plot hole in the story, this is a great read for Summer or for the weekend. Not only I fell in live with Hania's character - that really emphasizes that looks are not everything -, but I ended up learning a few things about Poland's history, which I knew nothing about!
Two words: READ IT!
I totally recommend it. I wouldn't if it wasn't good enough. If you read some of my reviews - specially on romance lit - you will see that in that matter I'm hardly pleased.
I hope you have a great time reading it.
A simple plot, that doesn't sound too promising turns out to be one of the best books I've ever read.
After the death of Natalia Lanski, a great Polish pianist, her granddaughter Hania flies back from New York, where she works as a piano teacher to - initially - attend the funeral and spend some time with her Polish family, with whom she hasn't been since she was six.
She finds the house upside down with two chaotic children - Maks and Kalina - to be taken care of, for her dismay. Their father is a famous pianist, traveling through Europe on gigs, while their mother is a painter. But they're the worst parents one could wish for, they're negligent and totally unaware (purposedly) of their children's behaviour. Maks and Kalina were accostumed to being left alone for weeks or even months, being left unattended and ignored by their parents.
Hania finds out that their parents won't be coming back any time soon so she is in charge of them. Needless to say that these children have no idea of what respect is or what it represents. Hania is probably the most patient character I've ever seen in a book, never giving up on them, knowing they were not her responsibility and taking care of them with her own short income.
In the meantime she meets her upstairs neighbour - Konstanty - who is a doctor with a deep passion for History. He hands her annotations of his texts in Polish to be translated into English and a beautiful romance flourishes out of this interaction. As they keep exchanging e-mails, they fall in love. But Hania doesn't feel any good about her looks: she's obese and it affects her views in many levels in her life, including her love life.
Although there is a minor plot hole in the story, this is a great read for Summer or for the weekend. Not only I fell in live with Hania's character - that really emphasizes that looks are not everything -, but I ended up learning a few things about Poland's history, which I knew nothing about!
Two words: READ IT!
I totally recommend it. I wouldn't if it wasn't good enough. If you read some of my reviews - specially on romance lit - you will see that in that matter I'm hardly pleased.
I hope you have a great time reading it.
aninna's review against another edition
4.0
Poignantly written story. I must admit I skipped over some history stuff because it was rather dull, like reading a science paper. But I adored Hania's relationship with the kids and how they grew to trust her. Didn't really like how Kalina's pregnancy was handled though. I liked the realism with how the author portrayed Hania's life, none of that bs positivity and escapism stuff I happen to read upon in American book. A book from a different point of view was refreshing from the standard Americanized one I've become accustomed to seeing.
The ending felt very abrupt though, I wish there was some resolution with the kids, or at least something because it felt like it ended right in the middle of a chapter.
The ending felt very abrupt though, I wish there was some resolution with the kids, or at least something because it felt like it ended right in the middle of a chapter.
juliavdelft's review against another edition
5.0
I loved that this is about Poland. I hardly know anything about that country and this was basically Poland's history in a nutshell.
The story itself is great, too. Hania is an obese woman who learns a lot about herself, her family, and her country and grows (though not in size) over the course of the book. She meets a man she had met once as a child, Konstanty, who happens to be a doctor, but is descended from Polish aristocracy. Now he's just an ordinary-ish man, but he wants to write a history of Poland and gets Hania to help him. She does help him - by challenging his views. I liked both characters a lot.
The only thing I struggled with liking in this book were the kids. I think the author did that on purpose and made them pretty horrible since their parents were THE WORST. Oh my goodness, I couldn't even believe how awful they were and how psychologically messed up the kids were.
Also, is it just me, or should there be a comma after "fat" in the title? Swans are fat, too. That makes more sense, I think. It drove me crazy the whole time I was reading it. I'm tempted to just take a permanent marker and put it in.
The story itself is great, too. Hania is an obese woman who learns a lot about herself, her family, and her country and grows (though not in size) over the course of the book. She meets a man she had met once as a child, Konstanty, who happens to be a doctor, but is descended from Polish aristocracy. Now he's just an ordinary-ish man, but he wants to write a history of Poland and gets Hania to help him. She does help him - by challenging his views. I liked both characters a lot.
The only thing I struggled with liking in this book were the kids. I think the author did that on purpose and made them pretty horrible since their parents were THE WORST. Oh my goodness, I couldn't even believe how awful they were and how psychologically messed up the kids were.
Spoiler
And I don't know what happened to them in the end, which made me worry ... for fictional characters. I wasn't happy with the ending, despite the romance. I mean, I know the parents will leave again, but I want to know what happens to Kalina and her child!! I did think the whole teenage pregnancy part could have been left out, but I think the author wanted to show how messed up the kids were.Also, is it just me, or should there be a comma after "fat" in the title? Swans are fat, too. That makes more sense, I think. It drove me crazy the whole time I was reading it. I'm tempted to just take a permanent marker and put it in.
dominil's review against another edition
5.0
Hania è una giovane e talentuosa pianista che però è costretta a insegnare musica in quanto è considerata troppo grassa per avere successo intraprendendo una carriera da concertista.
Alla notizia della morte della nonna, famosa nell'ambito musicale e terribile in quello famigliare, decide di tornare in Polonia, patria d'origine della sua famiglia, per partecipare al funerale.
Quello che non sa è che sarà costretta a rimanere lì ad occuparsi dei suoi strani e a volte inquietanti cuginetti in quanto i loro genitori li hanno lasciati da soli per partire chissà dove senza lasciarle nemmeno un messaggio con istruzioni o consigli.
Alla sua vicenda si interseca la storia della Polonia, che è l'argomento di cui sta scrivendo il nobile e signorile medico Konstanty Radzimoyski che le chiede aiuto per revisionare il suo testo in inglese.
La storia è molto carina e piuttosto realistica, anche se dal mio riassunto non sembrerebbe molto, ma leggendo si riesce proprio a sentire l'atmosfera di Varsavia, la sua storia e il suo presente.
Per me è stato molto interessante imparare qualcosa in modo semplice e accattivante del passato della Polonia senza che venisse sempre tutto ricondotto alla Seconda Guerra Mondiale, che pure viene trattata, e anche vedere come coloro che la abitano ora ci si approccino e come la considerino.
I personaggi sono ben caratterizzati e riusciti, sono riusciti a farsi amare anche se alcuni non sono proprio proprio amabili e si comportano male nei confronti della povera Hania, che è davvero una santa, tanto è buona, dolce e coraggiosa.
Mi sono davvero commossa e non mi capitava da tanto.
Alla notizia della morte della nonna, famosa nell'ambito musicale e terribile in quello famigliare, decide di tornare in Polonia, patria d'origine della sua famiglia, per partecipare al funerale.
Quello che non sa è che sarà costretta a rimanere lì ad occuparsi dei suoi strani e a volte inquietanti cuginetti in quanto i loro genitori li hanno lasciati da soli per partire chissà dove senza lasciarle nemmeno un messaggio con istruzioni o consigli.
Alla sua vicenda si interseca la storia della Polonia, che è l'argomento di cui sta scrivendo il nobile e signorile medico Konstanty Radzimoyski che le chiede aiuto per revisionare il suo testo in inglese.
La storia è molto carina e piuttosto realistica, anche se dal mio riassunto non sembrerebbe molto, ma leggendo si riesce proprio a sentire l'atmosfera di Varsavia, la sua storia e il suo presente.
Per me è stato molto interessante imparare qualcosa in modo semplice e accattivante del passato della Polonia senza che venisse sempre tutto ricondotto alla Seconda Guerra Mondiale, che pure viene trattata, e anche vedere come coloro che la abitano ora ci si approccino e come la considerino.
I personaggi sono ben caratterizzati e riusciti, sono riusciti a farsi amare anche se alcuni non sono proprio proprio amabili e si comportano male nei confronti della povera Hania, che è davvero una santa, tanto è buona, dolce e coraggiosa.
Mi sono davvero commossa e non mi capitava da tanto.
rayene_ziadi's review against another edition
4.0
I absolutely loved it !!!
It was a bit slow at first but then it turned amazing, it was a quick read ( i read it in one sitting) i couldn't put it down, it was really funny at parts especially with Maks's pranks;and The fact that Hania was overweight And she was the heroine was very refreshing and different from what we see in other books.
I also enjoyed the historical part, i didn't know anything about Poland before; The family issues and the struggles she faces were so realistic and easy to relate to,especially for me the denial of Konstanty and Hania's existing feelings, and how Looks,tradition,or even family doesn't matter against one's feelings, i adored how they finally came to realize so and rather surrendered to their heart's wishes.
It was a lovely read and i hope i'll get to read more of [a:Michelle Granas|6942231|Michelle Granas|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1362333186p2/6942231.jpg]'s books ♥
It was a bit slow at first but then it turned amazing, it was a quick read ( i read it in one sitting) i couldn't put it down, it was really funny at parts especially with Maks's pranks;and The fact that Hania was overweight And she was the heroine was very refreshing and different from what we see in other books.
I also enjoyed the historical part, i didn't know anything about Poland before; The family issues and the struggles she faces were so realistic and easy to relate to,especially for me the denial of Konstanty and Hania's existing feelings, and how Looks,tradition,or even family doesn't matter against one's feelings, i adored how they finally came to realize so and rather surrendered to their heart's wishes.
It was a lovely read and i hope i'll get to read more of [a:Michelle Granas|6942231|Michelle Granas|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1362333186p2/6942231.jpg]'s books ♥
triniredreading's review
4.0
I wavered between 3 and 4 stars for this. At first I did not like the writing at all. However just when I was about to give up, I found myself absorbed by the story. The historical interludes and discussions about Polish culture and national identity were quite interesting. The family dynamics - well those were screwed up but interesting too. On the one hand Hania seemed to allow her family to ride roughshod over her, but on the other she faced her crises on her own (without rushing to her "knight in shining armor" to fix everything for her).I wasn't thrilled with the ending, but there's still a lot to like about this story.
avalinahsbooks's review
3.0
An alright slice-of-life romance, although I’ve read better from Michelle Granas. Michelle Granas usually writes intellectual romances – romances of minds, and this is no different. That was certainly the most enjoyable part of the book.
Hania is making the best of what she's got. And what she's got isn't the best. She's been told she can't be a pianist despite her tremendous talent – simply because she's very obese and the public won't like looking at her. Hania's also been thrown into a family situation – having to watch two very problematic children, her cousins, whose parents have dumped them like some unwanted things. She's also got a little problem with the fact that she's got no money, said parents haven't left any, the kids are hiding something and she's got quite a crush on the guy upstairs.
The book reminded me of a Victorian novel – a kind family-oriented woman, who is in no position to become a sought-for companion or bride, takes care of children, is their only hope, is also forced into somewhat tough circumstances. However, it also fell short in certain regards – a somewhat loose and not very satisfying ending, the fact that Hania had to lose some weight before the man upstairs admitted he was in love with her (although I’m sure it wasn’t meant that way), and just the general way the story is told. Definitely three stars, but if you want a better read from this author, check out [b:Zaremba, or Love and the Rule of Law|23502847|Zaremba, or Love and the Rule of Law|Michelle Granas|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1415184705s/23502847.jpg|24192476].
Hania is making the best of what she's got. And what she's got isn't the best. She's been told she can't be a pianist despite her tremendous talent – simply because she's very obese and the public won't like looking at her. Hania's also been thrown into a family situation – having to watch two very problematic children, her cousins, whose parents have dumped them like some unwanted things. She's also got a little problem with the fact that she's got no money, said parents haven't left any, the kids are hiding something and she's got quite a crush on the guy upstairs.
The book reminded me of a Victorian novel – a kind family-oriented woman, who is in no position to become a sought-for companion or bride, takes care of children, is their only hope, is also forced into somewhat tough circumstances. However, it also fell short in certain regards – a somewhat loose and not very satisfying ending, the fact that Hania had to lose some weight before the man upstairs admitted he was in love with her (although I’m sure it wasn’t meant that way), and just the general way the story is told. Definitely three stars, but if you want a better read from this author, check out [b:Zaremba, or Love and the Rule of Law|23502847|Zaremba, or Love and the Rule of Law|Michelle Granas|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1415184705s/23502847.jpg|24192476].
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