Polish literature features new historical and crime fiction

Recent literary features highlight new Polish fiction, including the historical novel ‘Szepty gwiazd’ and the thriller ‘Czerwone oleandry’ by Greta Drawska.

‘Szepty gwiazd’ follows a dual-timeline narrative set in Mazovia. The story connects the past and present through the relationship of Aniela Okszańska and Georg von Strasberg, whose lives are disrupted by the onset of World War II. The plot moves to the modern era when Piotr Okszański discovers a photograph of a man in an SS uniform who bears a striking resemblance to himself, prompting a search for family truths.

Greta Drawska, the pseudonym of Małgorzata Hayles, is featured for her thriller ‘Czerwone oleandry’ (published by Prószyński i S-ka). The novel explores themes of murder, disappearance, and betrayal. Set in the Niesulice area, the story follows Weronika as her perceived stable life unravels into a nightmare of lies and trauma. Work is reportedly underway for a screen adaptation of the series.