W stronę Seretu

Wiesław Helak is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding Polish historical writers, who, in addition to other prizes, has received the Józef Mackiewicz Literary Award for his work. Towards the Seret is a continuation of Helak’s earlier novels On the River Zbruch and Mount Tabor, describing the world of Polish gentry, a world that no longer exists. Mount Tabor covers the period of 1926–1945. While portraying Poland remains the subject of Helak’s latest novel, his focus shifts to the turbulent post-war era. He pits his protagonists against the Polish People’s Republic (1945–1989), a world of repression, but also of heroic attitudes, armed struggle and a stubborn opposition to the new communist reality. Helak’s two latest books feature Janio as their protagonist. The most recent novel also follows the lives of Janio’s two brothers – a high-ranking party official, and a tradesman with a passion for the automotive industry. The symbolic reconciliation of the brothers takes place at their mother’s grave. The post-war fate of the Polish gentry is, in Helak’s words, a completely forgotten chapter. It was a time of repression, social marginalisation, dashed hopes, and of seeking solace in the Catholic Church. But it was also a time for passing to the next generations the principles of honesty, honour, and the ability to cope in the most difficult, seemingly hopeless situations. The theme of music plays an important role in the novel Towards the Seret. For the story’s protagonist, music is more than an escape from reality – it is part, in both Bach and Chopin, of the thread connecting people with God.

Helak’s novel also refers to a number of Europe’s builders: Plato, St. Augustine, Cyril, John of Damascus, Veit Stoss, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael, Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and St. Francis. They constitute a foundation on which we can and should build, and from which we can and should draw faith and hope.