Against a Crimson Sky » (Reprint)

James Conroyd Martin is a longtime teacher of English and Creative Writing whose acclaimed first novel, Push Not the River, was based on the diary of Anna Maria BerezowskaBerezowski, a Polish countess. Against a Crimson Sky allows for Martin to freely imagine how life may have continued to unfold for Anna among the fascinating people and events of the Napoleonic era. He is currently working on his third novel.

For more information on James Conroyd Martin and his books, go to www.jamescmartin.com

Praise for Push Not the River:

"Push Not the River contains all the sweep and romance of the classic epics such as Gone with the Wind and Doctor Zhivago, with a heroine who remains strong in the face of both personal and political tragedy. An enthralling tale of courage, survival, and hope, Anna Maria's story is at once timeless and timely." -India Edghill, author of Queenmaker

"In young Anna Maria, Martin has created a character we learn to love and cheer for as she matures in this turbulent time." Joci Tilsen for BookSense, a consortium of 1200 independent booksellers

"[Push Not the River] holds readers because of its cast of well-developed characters and the need to see how Anna and her young son will survive the latest crisis." Kathy Piehl, Library Journal

"Aristocrats and peasants, patriots and traitors come alive in this story, and the Polish soul is beautifully illuminated through ancient myths, folkways, and wisdoms. With his juxtaposition of the personal and political, Martin weaves a compelling tale of transformation—both of a remarkable young woman and her remarkable nation."

—Jennifer Donnelly, author of The Tea Rose

Publishers Weekly

Martin (Push Not the River) continues his fictionalized account of the life of Polish countess Anna Maria Berezowska in this entertaining sequel that follows Anna through the chaotic years of the Napoleonic wars. These are trying times for her beloved Poland ("Europe's plaything"), but Anna finds happiness in her marriage to the handsome Count Jan Stelnicki and in her three children. But because the book takes place in early 19th-century Poland, tragedy continues to dog her (in the earlier novel, she was raped and forced into a loveless marriage), including the death of a son during Napoleon's disastrous Russian campaign. Because of their prominence, the Stelnickis have a front-row seat to history: while her husband and sons fight for Poland's independence, Anna is part of the Warsaw social scene that wines and dines Napoleon after he liberates Poland from Russian rule. Martin provides a panoramic view of Europe during a time of enormous change and in all its sanguinary excesses. His characters could benefit from more depth and his narrative drama from more realism, but fans of historical romance will find much to enjoy in this sprawling epic. (Aug.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.