Novel for Poland before the trip

The best novel I have read about the country, its people and its history is 'Poland' by James Michener. Yeah, it's a big, thick book, but it is a fascinating read.

I forget the exact name of the book or who wrote it... something similar to "The Trumpeter of Krakow"? Anyone know to which book I am referring?

Tom, could you be referring to Isaac Bashevis Singer and his book "The Magician of Lublin"?; This was made into a movie (kind of metaphysical), as was "Yentl the Yeshiva Boy" (with and directed by Barbra Streisand); he also wrote "A Day of Pleasure: Stories of a Boy Growing up in Warsaw". However, Darby, none of this is lighthearted reading like Frances Mayes' and Peter Mayle's books. Perhaps you could check with your research librarian to see if you can turn up something contemporary that's been translated. Maybe the Polish Embassy has some resources. Sounds like a fascinating trip!

Found it. The title is..."The Trumpeter of Krakow" (my memory must be better than I thought it was!) by Eric Kelly.

If you're looking for more of a memoir you might want to try Unquiet Days: At Home in Poland by Thomas Swick. Or look forRyszard Kapuscinski's books. He's a Polish Journalist so many of books are not about Poland, but Imperium or Travels with Herodotus might work for you. Pam