Overview

A panoramic and epic novel, Push Not the River recounts 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 within. It is then, at the young and vulnerable age of seventeen, that young Anna Maria loses both of her parents and must 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, 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, a strengthened Anna learns to place herself in the way of destiny--for love and for country. 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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9780997894530

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Reviews

-Based on an actual 18th century diary, the narrative . . . holds reader because of the cast of well-developed characters and the need to see how Anna and her young son will survive the latest crisis.- Library Journal -James Conroyd Martin is in every way a modern day Henryk Sienkiewicz, weaving history and stories together in an accessible and thrilling manner.- Dr. Donald Pienkos, Political Science Professor Emeritus, UWMilwaukee -PUSH NOT THE RIVER contains all the sweep and romance of the classic romantic epics, such as GONE WITH THE WIND and DOCTOR ZHIVAGO, with a heroine who remains strong in the face of both personal and political tragedy. . . .Anna Maria's story is at once timeless and timely.- India Edghill, author of QUEENMAKER and DELILAH. -Enthralling. PUSH NOT THE RIVER is a wonderful historical saga in the grand romantic style. The plot never lets up: it gallops at breakneck speed through a vividly portrayed landscape.- Jane Feather, bestselling author of THE EMERALD SWAN -Aristocrats and peasant, patriots and traitors, all come alive in this story, and the Polish soul is beautifully illuminated through ancient myths, folkways, and wisdoms.- Jennifer Donnelly, author of THE TEA ROSE

Author Information

James Conroyd Martin is the award-winning author of The Poland Trilogy. A longtime teacher of English and Creative Writing in the Chicago area, he holds degrees from St. Ambrose and DePaul universities. After his teaching career, he moved to Portland, Oregon, where he continues to write.

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