Valedictory

This book, like Kuniczak's previous work "The Thousand Hour Day", deals with the experience of the Polish people during the German invasion of September, 1939. While THD focused on infantrymen trying to escape the German onslaught, Valedictory tells the story of one Ludwik Toporski, an ace pilot in the Polish Air Force who becomes something of a political liability during the course of WWII. Escaping the Nazi invasion by a grueling trek through France, Spain and Great Britain, "Ludo" manages to survive and joins the RAF in time to become a Polish hero during the Battle of Britain. He flies for the British throughout the war, and winds up as a pawn in the late-war political maneuverings that allowed Poland to be swallowed by the Soviet Union in 1945. The book is very well written, and never fails to keep your attention. Some might not agree with the politics, but all in all, this is a good novel, and very accurate from an historical and military point of view. Also of interest is the general attitude and commentary towards Americans voiced in the book; it will perhaps enlighten some who persist in seeing the US as a white knight in ever-shining armor. If you enjoy Second World War fiction at all, you will undoubtedly enjoy this book.