A Thousand Peaceful Cites

"If indeed laughter is the best remedy, readers fortunate enough to dive into this splendid novel are likely to remain in perfect health for the rest of their lives," lauds Kirkus Reviews. Jerzy Pilch crafts a comedic masterpiece in "A Thousand Peaceful Cities," set against the backdrop of 1963 Poland during the era of the post-Stalinist thaw. The story unfolds through the eyes of Jerzyk, a curious teenager deeply intrigued by the peculiarities of his father, a retired postal official, and the father's confidant, Mr. Traba—a former Lutheran pastor prone to drink with grandiose dreams of sparking a Polish uprising. In a fateful moment of intoxication, Mr. Traba and Jerzyk's father concoct a bold plan to seize control of their destinies and commit one last noble act: traveling to Warsaw with the intention of assassinating Wladyslaw Gomulka, the First Secretary of the Polish United Workers’ Party, since targeting Mao Tse-tung seems out of reach. They even decide to draw young Jerzyk into this daring plot... Translated from Polish by David Frick, the novel is a delightful journey through humor and outlandish ambition.