Against a Crimson Sky: A Novel - Hardcover

Martin, James Conroyd

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0312326823 ISBN 13: 9780312326821

Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books, 2006

Synopsis

The continuation of the sweeping story of young Countess Anna Maria, introduced in the epic PUSH NOT THE RIVER, as Poland picks up the pieces and joins forces with Napoleon in an attempt to bring down Russia. AGAINST A CRIMSON SKY tells the interrelated stories of four characters in the aftermath of the violent dissolution of Poland in 1794 and culminates in the doomed 1812 winter march into Russia. Countess Anna Maria Berezowska has finally married her true love, Jan Stelnicki, but life is anything but ideal. Not long into their union, Jan takes to the battlefield in the hopes of ensuring a sovereign Poland for his children. Meanwhile, his best friend on the front lines continues to pine for Anna's cousin, Zofia, but she has her sights set a little higher...on the emperor Napoleon.

AGAINST A CRIMSON SKY interweaves these tales of intrigue, love and betrayal as one proud nation and one strong family struggle for unity. 

About this title

From the Inside Flap

A magnificent and sweeping epic, Against a Crimson Sky is an unforgettable tale of love, secrets, valor, and the enduring strength of the human spirit, set against the extraordinary backdrop of war-torn Poland at the cusp of the nineteenth century at the turn of the 18th century.  
 
The year is 1794, and the beautiful and resilient Countess Anna Maria Berezowska has narrowly escaped death amidst the chaos caused by the violent dissolution of Poland at the hands of its neighborsenemies who feared its democratic Third of May Constitution.
 
When Anna returns to her family estate, she is reunited with her longtimelong lost love, the handsome and proud Lord Jan Stelnicki. The two young lovers are united in marriage even as their beloved Poland is ripped apart. As the couple struggles to raise a family in the face of an uncertain future, Anna’s capricious cousin, Zofia, returns with a surprise of her own. Although Zofia’s past schemes still resonate, Anna’s doubts turn to fear as Jan’s patriotism draws himJan is drawn to the battlefield by his patriotic fervor.
 
Offering new hope for a divided and conquered Poland, the infamous Napoleon Bonaparte comes calling, pleading for Polish money and soldiers to fight the very countries that have wiped Poland from the map. While many Poles place their fervent faith in Napoleon, believing he will return to them an independent Poland, others doubt his commitment, seeing only a vain and pompous man obsessed without for personal glory.  With the aid of new Polish legions—Anna’s friends and family among them—Napoleon battles his way across Europe in an effort that culminates in the doomed 1812 winter march into Russia.
 
Against this backdrop, and entwined with riveting historical characters such as Poland’s King Stanislaw Poniatowski, Russia’s Tsar Aleksandr, and the legendary Napoleon, the dramatic romance of Anna and Jan unfolds as they valiantly fight to hold on to a tenuous happiness, their country, and their very lives.  Vibrant, exhilarating, and brimming with fascinating historical detail, Against a Crimson Sky will touch the heart and inspire the soul.

From the Back Cover

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

About this edition

• Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0312326823
• ISBN 13: 9780312326821
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 384