Olanda by Rafal Wojasinski
Tranaslated by Charles S. Kraszewski
Reading and writing about as diverse a range of books as I can manage is always an aim of mine here on the Ramblings; though I *am* aware that I don’t always step outside of my comfort zone as much as I should. The author of the book I’m writing about today is a case in point: Wojasinski is a Polish writer, and I can probably count the number of wordsmiths I’ve read from that language on one hand (Tokarczuk, Lem, Jasienski, Hlasko, Kapuscinski, Schulz – ok, two hands…) Anyhoo, as they say, I’m always keen to explore books from other countries and cultures, and when the lovely Glagoslav publishers offered me a review copy of “Olanda”, I was intrigued.
Wojasinksi is a new name to me, yet he’s an esteemed author of fiction and drama, with awards for his works under his belt. Many of his writings have appeared on Polish radio, and “Olanda” in fact contains the text of one of his radio plays, “Old Man Kalina”. But the bulk of the book contains a collection of short works which as well as being beautifully written throw light on the lives of marginal characters living out their existence as best they can.
If you’re not a believer in love, you’re a believer in the void.
The title story is the longest, and it’s narrated by a man unnamed until the end. In what is in effect a monologue, directed at his beloved Olanda, he looks back over his life and contemplates the world around him. Each chapter is titled simple “The Next Chapter” and he wanders mentally far and wide; from his start in life cleaning out sumps of human waste, to working as a cleaner in a school, to meeting his friend Wladek, everything is laced with his philosophical outlook. And the characters in “Olanda” often recur in the other stories in the collection, but this time we seem them from viewpoint other than our original narrator – which might suggest that the latter is not exactly a reliable one.
As I mentioned above, these characters are marginal; whether a gravedigger, a defrocked seminarian, a barstool philosopher or a girl with learning difficulties, each is intriguing and has their own story tell. The stories are often tragic (“The Void” was particularly devastating) but each is conveyed in beautiful, lyrical prose.
What was God thinking, when they were gassing children in the death camps? What?
“Olanda” is translated by Charles S. Kraszewski who also provides an erudite introduction exploring the themes of Wojasinski’s work as well as its context; and this is particularly useful when exploring how the author’s texts are informed by the effects on Poland of WW2. There’s a darkess underlying these stories which surfaces sometimes obliquely. But even without this, the prose and narratives of Wojasinski make for fascinating reading.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I picked this book up, but I was gripped by the narrative voice from the start and read through it almost in one go. There’s a slightly dream-like quality to the writing; the characters and their stories will stay with you; and I did find myself wondering why there’s so little about Wojasinski on the InterWebs. On the strength of this, he’s definitely an author needing more translation and exploration! 😀
(Review copy kindly provided by the publisher, for which many thanks!)
Dec 09, 2020 @ 08:30:58
I’d never have come across this book had it not been for your review and, having visited Poland several times in the last few years, I think it would suit me well, particularly given the introduction you mention. Thanks!
Dec 09, 2020 @ 09:12:51
Most welcome! There’s very little about it online, and it’s perhaps hard to convey quite what it’s about. But it’s definitely a really engrossing and often beautiful read, which doesn’t shy away from addressing bigger issues.
Dec 09, 2020 @ 12:10:30
Glagoslav have published some really interesting books over the years they’ve been sending them to me. I’d like to recommend Alpine Ballad, by Vasil Bykau, translated by Mikalai Khilo which is a beautiful story from Belarus. I’ve never forgotten it, you can see my review here if you are interested: https://anzlitlovers.com/2016/12/04/alpine-ballad-by-vasil-bykau-translated-by-mikalai-khilo/
Dec 09, 2020 @ 14:14:10
They have – books that wouldn’t necessarily see the light of day otherwise. I have actually read Alpine Ballad – a very powerful book. My thoughts about it were here: https://kaggsysbookishramblings.wordpress.com/2019/09/30/justice-such-a-rarw-commodity-these-days-glagoslav/
Dec 09, 2020 @ 14:27:03
This sounds interesting. I like the quote at the top, I think I could use that to describe this year!
Dec 09, 2020 @ 16:03:26
Definitely. What a year it’s been….
Dec 09, 2020 @ 14:34:03
Very intriguing indeed, your description brought to mind Ivan Klíma’s ‘My Golden Trades’. Let’s hope more of Wojasinski’s work makes it into translation.
Dec 09, 2020 @ 16:03:10
I hope so. I was very intrigued by this, and the writing is often beautiful and thought-provoking. I do love discovering new authors…
Dec 09, 2020 @ 16:48:44
Diverse is certainly the word, another interesting find!
Dec 09, 2020 @ 20:15:51
I thought so – I love an undiscovered gem! 😀
Dec 09, 2020 @ 18:51:36
Sounds like a great collection, some of those characters sound fascinating. The only Polish writer I have read is one book by Olga Tokarczuk.
Dec 09, 2020 @ 20:15:25
It is, and the characters really are memorable. I’ve read more Polish authors than I realised, but I’m trying to read even more diversely!
Dec 09, 2020 @ 21:00:18
Beautiful review, Kaggsy! This looks like a wonderful book! I haven’t heard of Wojasinski before. New discovery for me. I haven’t read many Polish writers. I can think of only Olga Tokarczuk and Wislawa Szymborska. And maybe if I can cheat, Joseph Conrad 😁 Need to remedy that and read more Polish writers. Thanks for sharing your thoughts 😊
Dec 10, 2020 @ 10:29:18
Thanks Vishy. I was wondering if I could squeeze in Conrad as Polish too, as I *have* read him! 😀
Dec 09, 2020 @ 21:38:42
I find Poland an interesting country on many fronts. Hadn’t heard of this publisher or author.
Dec 10, 2020 @ 10:28:48
It is – maybe one day I will get to visit. The author is new to me, and Glagoslav do have a habit of publishing some fascinating (if obscure in English) books!
Dec 10, 2020 @ 05:31:19
Oh! This sounds wonderful; I have read so little of Polish literature and this author seems a great starting point! If I can find a copy in my part of the world! Thank You for a wonderful introduction!
Dec 10, 2020 @ 10:28:11
It’s fascinating, though I confess I’m not well versed enough in Polish literature to know if it’s representative. A wonderful piece of writing though!
Dec 10, 2020 @ 21:47:58
That does sound very “you” in the end!
Dec 11, 2020 @ 08:44:12
It was! A lovely discovery!