Marcin Szymaniak's book "Sabers and Hacksaws" takes the reader to the beginnings of Poland's independence, showing the bright and dark days when a neighbor from the east sharpened his teeth on a young country ...
There are few books that disarm the laurel, even candy-like image of the Polish-Bolshevik war. Such are, among others:“1919. The First Year of Independence "," Civil War. A new look at the rebirth of Poland "or" White versus Red ". Marcin Szymaniak fits in with this line, showing the true face of reborn Poland - not that softened and polite for the needs of school textbooks or national and patriotic performances.
Therefore, the reader will get to know dirty, tired and hungry soldiers for whom a piece of white bread and American canned food are the pinnacle of dreams, and a warm, decent uniform is an unimaginable luxury . On the other hand, it will be transferred to a war-tired Paris, where chic French women in hats, half-calf dresses, black stockings and high-heeled shoes are walking. They believe that despite the poverty that prevails after the war, one should look dignified.
Real Heroes
Szymaniak perfectly outlines the atmosphere of those days. Destroyed infrastructure, poverty, fear of the unknown, fighting not only with the enemy, but also with hunger, cold and hopelessness. It shows Poland of that time as it really was:on its own and with the help of its allies. For weapons from all over the world. For uniforms captured by the Germans or received from the French, British and Americans. For canned Texas beef, Australian kangaroos and monkeys from British colonies in Africa.
The main advantage of the book are the heroes themselves, who are ambiguous - which makes them real. We have a terrified nurse who carries out her duties despite her fear. We have good and bad Bolsheviks . We have an alcoholic officer and a hooligan who tries to win the hearts of young women in an indiscriminate way. After all, we have crazy and brave aviators who often do not sin with reason, and their exploits are a true lancer's fantasy. They are heroes and people of flesh and blood. Real.
You can learn more about the history of the Polish-Bolshevik war in the book by Marcin Szymaniak "Sabers and Cekaemy", which has just been published by the Znak Horyzont Publishing House.
Just as the events described by Marcin Szymaniak are true. It does not focus only on "stroking the head" and describing heroism, devotion to the homeland, and sacrifice. The greatest advantage of this book is its authenticity and its multidimensionality.
Therefore, a soldier for drunkenness ends up in prison. On the other hand, on the occasion of Easter, the squadron receives a bucket of spirit from the regiment's command, and the uhlans organize vodka and wine at their own expense. You can drink, but only on the orders of the command. It is similar with requisitions - on a daily basis, arbitrary taking from peasants' property was severely punished. Something else in the retreat, when the enemy is chasing and on holiday:
The chefs use the pigs confiscated from the peasants to prepare tasty, fragrant hams and sausages, and they also bake mazurkas and cakes. Easter breakfast takes place in a large, festively decorated barn. […]. The revelers share an egg, kiss from a shotgun, and then sweep the dishes off the tables , drinking heavily with alcohol.
Apart from the glorious deeds and decorations, Szymaniak also describes the crimes committed by the soldiers of both sides - incl. the one committed by order of Maj. Aleksander Łuczyński in Pinsk, as well as the murder of Polish soldiers in Ludwiszcz by peasants, but also crimes committed by the Bolsheviks and ordinary bandits.
It may be irritating that the author sometimes uses quite colloquial language. However, it does not appear without reason. Even the greatest erudite in the war is rude - it is therefore another "brick" added to building the atmosphere. Thanks to this, you can move back a hundred years and soak up the atmosphere of those days.
Certainly, this is a book for anyone who wants to learn about the everyday life, dilemmas, problems and joys of people who built an independent Poland. Not those from the front pages of newspapers and mentioned in almost every textbook, but average citizens who have not yet appeared in the pages of history. This perspective is much more interesting.