"I get more correspondence from" Trail of Hope "than anything else... Lots of books about Monte Cassino but not very much about the whole Odyssey".
'Trail of Hope' situates the Anders Army's journey within the broader context of World War II and the geopolitical shifts affecting Eastern Europe. The book starts with the Soviet invasion of Poland in 1939 and the subsequent forced deportation of Polish citizens to Siberian gulags. After the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, Sikorski - Mayski agreement allowed for the formation of a Polish army on Soviet soil, led by General Władysław Anders. This army then made a remarkable journey through the Middle East and North Africa to join the Allied forces in Italy, where they famously participated in the Battle of Monte Cassino.
Professor Davies emphasises the personal experiences of the individuals who were part of the Anders Army. Through diaries, letters, photographs, and interviews, he brings to life the harrowing experiences of the soldiers and civilians—men, women, and children—who endured hardship, loss, and displacement. These personal stories highlight the resilience and determination of the Polish people in the face of adversity.
A central theme of 'Trail of Hope' is the perseverance and hope of the Polish people despite the immense challenges they faced. Davies also explores the concept of memory, particularly how the story of the Anders Army has been remembered and commemorated in Polish and global history. He examines the legacy of these soldiers and civilians, reflecting on the broader implications of their journey for understanding displacement, war, and the human spirit.
As with his other works, Professor Davies' research for 'Trail of Hope' was exhaustive, the book is richly illustrated with photographs, maps, and documents, many of which are sourced from private collections or have rarely been seen before. These visual aids complement the narrative and help the reader to better understand the scale and impact of the Anders Army's journey.
I spoke to Professor Norman Davies online, from his home in Poland, summer 2024. This podcast was published February 2025 marking the 85th anniversary of the forced mass deportations of Polish citizens to Siberia and far reaching parts of the Soviet Union.
Professor Davies is UNESCO Professor at the Jagiellonian University, Professor Emeritus University College London, a visiting professor at College d'Europe, an Honorary Fellow of Clare Hall and St Antony’s College, Oxford. He is Professor Emeritus of UCL School of Slavic and East European Studies.
'Trail of Hope' is available https://www.ospreypublishing.com/uk/trail-of-hope-9781472816047/
Audible https://www.audible.co.uk/author/Norman-Davies/B000AQ4KQO
Further Reading https://www.booknotification.com/authors/norman-davies/
A Ognisko Polskie Podcast in collaboration with #MyLondyn and supported by Polish Cultural Institute, London
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
