A panoramic and epic novel in the grand romantic style, PUSH NOT THE RIVER is the rich story of Poland in the late 1700s — a time of heartache and turmoil as the country’s once peaceful people are being torn apart by neighboring countries and divided loyalties. It is then, at the young and vulnerable age of seventeen, when Lady Anna Maria Berezowska loses both of her parents and must leave the … leave the only home she has ever known.
With Empress Catherine’s Russian armies streaming in to take their spoils, Anna is quickly thrust into a world of love and hate, loyalty and deceit, patriotism and treason, life and death. Even kind Aunt Stella, Anna’s new guardian who soon comes to personify Poland’s courage and spirit, can’t protect Anna from the uncertain future of the country.
Anna, a child no longer, turns to love and comfort in the form of Jan, a brave patriot and architect of democracy, unaware that her beautiful and enigmatic cousin Zofia has already set her sights on the handsome young fighter. Thus Anna walks unwittingly into Zofia’s jealous wrath and darkly sinister intentions. Forced to survive several tragic events, many of them orchestrated by the crafty Zofia, a strengthened Anna begins to learn to place herself in the way of destiny — for love and for country. Heeding the proud spirit of her late father, Anna becomes a major player in the fight against the countries who come to partition her beloved Poland.
PUSH NOT THE RIVER is based on the true eighteenth century diary of Anna Maria Berezowska, a Polish countess who lived through the rise and fall of the historic Third of May Constitution. Vivid, romantic, and thrillingly paced, it paints the emotional and unforgettable story of the metamorphosis of a nation — and of a proud and resilient young woman.
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I actually wasn’t sure I would like this historical read, but I did. Took me to a part of the world and a part of history that I had limited knowledge of. It motivated me to read a bit more about the actual historical facts of the countries involved and era. I liked the characters and the movements from place to place with new and interesting …
James Conroyd Martin’s novel Push Not the River is a very informative read set in the late 1700’s Poland. I know hardly anything about Poland other than what the country went through during WWII. The characters are well done and the growth of all is evident as you progress through the story. There are several side plots that keep you guessing. …
This historical novel starts in the 1770’s in Poland and has wonderful characters to help the reader be in the atmosphere of the war and palace intrigue. The characters are from the elite society members. It is the first of a trilogy which reads fast because it’s hard to put down.
After reading this book, I had to get the next two of the trilogy. I also finished the audio version to listen to when driving.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading historical novels. A picture of how the Polish people kept their spirit and heritage during a time of upheaval and betrayal to reunite to form a unified nation after WW1.
I really enjoyed reading the three books in this trilogy. The writer did a great job of making the characters seem real and the reader can get a sense of what they feel. The lengthy details of the war was a little more than I like but never the less they were a great read. Great historical fiction.
Great fiction based on real people from Poland. Loved the historical background included in this story.
I found myself engrossed in this novel and looking forward to purchasing the next saga. The main character goes through the most horrific episode a woman can experience. Her tenacity and determination is to be commended. Her female cousin is not to be trusted, yet she does some heart warming things to assist the family. Ending makes you long …
Intriguing, gripping, history of Poland
I loved getting in touch with polish history.
Enjoyed the depth of the book based in Polish history.
I enjoyed this book so much I read the complete trilogy. It’s a glimpse into Polish history!
It was a very interesting look into Polish history.
Very good,didn’t want to put down.
Interesting historical perspective on Poland.
Too much like a romance novel
Very much enjoyed this book! Love historical fiction and this one is very well written! Loved the characters and how they interacted with each other. Highly recommend!
I loved it from start to finish. Amazing story
Great historical background with characters who faced unbelievable abuses to their homeland. After reading book 1 of the series I was most anxious to continue reading about their journey in book 2
A book you want to just keep reading!