airamainefats's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
ekogekko's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
llythia's review against another edition
5.0
I first picked this book up nearly 20 years ago, for the sole reason of it was one of the fattest books I could find in the library. I did not expect to find a beautifully written sweeping epic, that would open my eyes to the broader history of the world and change the direction of my life.
When I read this book the first time, it was as if I was reading a fantasy novel - I didn't understand the italicized snippets of Polish or Ukranian. I had no idea that the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth had really existed, nor that the Hmyelnitzki Rebellion was an actual historical event. When I looked it up on the internet and discovered that the book was based on actual historical events, it blew my mind. I realized that my "Western Civ" history class was really just the history of France and England - and only a very small piece of their history at that. I realized there was a whole universe of major historical events that I knew nothing about, so I started trying to learn on my own.
Eventually this book inspired me to take an entire course on Polish literature, and set me on the path that would lead to me learning Russian, and spending a year in Siberia. When I had the chance to visit Warsaw I was beyond excited to see the statue of Sienkiewicz and heartbroken that the Polish Literature Museum was closed while I was there.
But after nearly 20 years would the book hold up?
Yes.
It was definitely a different experience this time around, being able to understand the snippets of Ukranian, knowing the larger history of the region, and just being able to better understand what was going on. The book is certainly told from the perspective of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and it's obvious which side the reader is meant to cheer for, but at the same time, it also does spend a significant amount of time humanizing the enemies, so that the complexities of the rebellion are clear.
If you're going to read this book, it's critical that you read Kuniczak's translation - it's beautifully and poetically written - the settings are vivid, and it's not difficult to follow what is happening in the battles. It's a major investment of time. You're not going to finish it in a weekend. But it's still definitely worth the time, effort, and tired wrists from holding up a 1000+ page book. And when you finish, you'll be left wanting more. Which is why we're lucky that Sienkiewicz wrote a trilogy!
When I read this book the first time, it was as if I was reading a fantasy novel - I didn't understand the italicized snippets of Polish or Ukranian. I had no idea that the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth had really existed, nor that the Hmyelnitzki Rebellion was an actual historical event. When I looked it up on the internet and discovered that the book was based on actual historical events, it blew my mind. I realized that my "Western Civ" history class was really just the history of France and England - and only a very small piece of their history at that. I realized there was a whole universe of major historical events that I knew nothing about, so I started trying to learn on my own.
Eventually this book inspired me to take an entire course on Polish literature, and set me on the path that would lead to me learning Russian, and spending a year in Siberia. When I had the chance to visit Warsaw I was beyond excited to see the statue of Sienkiewicz and heartbroken that the Polish Literature Museum was closed while I was there.
But after nearly 20 years would the book hold up?
Yes.
It was definitely a different experience this time around, being able to understand the snippets of Ukranian, knowing the larger history of the region, and just being able to better understand what was going on. The book is certainly told from the perspective of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and it's obvious which side the reader is meant to cheer for, but at the same time, it also does spend a significant amount of time humanizing the enemies, so that the complexities of the rebellion are clear.
If you're going to read this book, it's critical that you read Kuniczak's translation - it's beautifully and poetically written - the settings are vivid, and it's not difficult to follow what is happening in the battles. It's a major investment of time. You're not going to finish it in a weekend. But it's still definitely worth the time, effort, and tired wrists from holding up a 1000+ page book. And when you finish, you'll be left wanting more. Which is why we're lucky that Sienkiewicz wrote a trilogy!
squashyana's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't like how they killed off Pan Longinus only to make his death a way to amplify Pan Yan's success and admirability.
fantine525's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
holtfan's review
5.0
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 “Lord of the Rings”, King Arthur, and Robin Hood, but not know “With Fire and Sword.” You have been missing out.
Published in 1884, “With Fire and Sword” 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 “The Trilogy”.
There are several ‘main’ 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’t 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’s selfless adoration, and whose hate for Pan Yan drives him to the rebellion. Bohun’s 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’s 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’s 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 “With Fire and Sword” 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’s ancestral castle, and became a knight of the French Légion 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, “With Fire and Sword” 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, “You’ll 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.” You can walk in that glory.
Published in 1884, “With Fire and Sword” 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 “The Trilogy”.
There are several ‘main’ 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’t 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’s selfless adoration, and whose hate for Pan Yan drives him to the rebellion. Bohun’s 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’s 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’s 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 “With Fire and Sword” 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’s ancestral castle, and became a knight of the French Légion 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, “With Fire and Sword” 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, “You’ll 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.” You can walk in that glory.
thebibliobibuli's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
rlangemann's review against another edition
4.0
It was fascinating to read about a historical period and location that I knew practically nothing about. It's a gripping story full of excitement, suspense, honor and lots of battles. Certainly more of a guys' book but it sure kept me enthralled. I wasn't so crazy about the language and violence, though.
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