2019 Donora, Pennsylvania Ninety-one-year-old Patryk Rusek hides in his attic, hoping the searchers think he’s escaped. When Lucy finally bursts in, she discovers her beloved grandfather clutching a fat, hand-illustrated, antique book. In it is the story of Donora, the town that shaped America, its people and Patryk himself. Before long, Lucy and her son Owen lose track of their goal to get … get Grandpa Patryk somewhere “safe” as they’re drawn into the book, back in time, into stories that read like real-life fairytales born of purpose, hard-work, and chance.
1910 Donora, Pennsylvania
In the early dawn of Donora, Pennsylvania, the mills make and shape the steel that builds America. Mary Lancos lives in a home on the hill overlooking town and its mighty Monongahela River. That tiny house bursts with her siblings and boarders. Wind whipping through the walls and windows makes Mary determined to marry well and create a better life.
Shy Pole, Lukasz Musial, arrives in Donora seeking the clear blue skies, green lawns, and better life he’d seen pictured on a postcard. Settled in Donora’s Polish community, Lukasz secures a coveted job in the wire mill. Life is set on course to achieve the American Dream. All he needs is a wife who believes in him, in his mighty, quiet, strength.
After a series of casual, friendly meetings, fate brings Mary and Lukasz to the river under a snowy, pink moonlit sky and everything changes. Their attraction is sudden and consuming, turning the pair onto an unexpected path. With mounting disapproval from Mary’s parents she and Lukasz must decide if love is enough to risk losing everything else that matters.
more
This historical fiction story was so informative about Polish traditions of the immigrants to the US. I learned so much. It was a very good story about the grandfather of Stan Musial, the baseball player. I really enjoyed this story.
Don’t like books without the promised ending without buying another book
I’m in the middle of the book and enjoying it immensely. Im not sure how accurate it is but it’s about real people. How the parents of Stan the man Musial met
An excellent story of immigrants in the early 20th century. Well done!
I can’t wait to read the next in the series to continue Lukascz & Mary’s story!
AWFUL!
This book is a great read if you like historical fiction. It gives you insight into western PA in the early 1900’s from the point of view of immigrants, looking for a better life. The story of a certain couple who ended up being parents to a famous baseball player is being told by an older gentleman near the end of his life to his grandson. He shares their struggles and disappointments before finding love. An uplifting story and I highly recommend it.
What a wonderful book. We have it so easy these days we forget how tough things were back then. How little things made a difference!
This book provides an insight into the lives of immigrants from Eastern Europe in the early part of the twentieth century. It is a historical view which brings to life early struggles and aspirations for their children.
I liked the title but it is very hard to read. Not often do I abandon a Book but this time I did.
Interesting concept and liked the way it was written/presented.
Interesting
Great story
Kathleen Shoop’s historical fiction is marvelous. It’s well researched and makes you wish you could go back in time and experience it yourself. As with all of her books, I’m amazed at her ability to describe the human condition. That’s what I crave in a book. I felt the sorrows and joys and fears and the everything of the characters and didn’t want it to end! Can’t wait for the next installment!