I Saw a Beautiful Woodpecker

In 1939, Michal, an eight-year-old boy in Warsaw, Poland, keeps a journal to improve his handwriting. Eighty years later, the journal is illustrated with paintings that capture the innocence of childhood and the trauma of war. The entries, interspersed with everyday activities, reveal the escalating threat of the war, including hiding from planes and the bravery of Warsaw's defense. The photographs of the diary pages enhance the poignancy of this simple record, showing an ordinary holiday interrupted by an extraordinary moment in history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 05 October 2021
Publisher: Prestel

In the summer of 1939, in the vibrant city of Warsaw, Poland, an eight-year-old boy named Michal embarked on a journey of growth and resilience. As he concluded his school year, Michal's teacher, recognizing his desire to improve his handwriting, presented him with a unique assignment: to keep a journal. The idea seemed simple enough—write one sentence a day. Little did Michal know that this simple act would become a remarkable testament to his life and the world around him.

Eighty years later, Michal's diary has been transformed into a captivating masterpiece. The pages are adorned with beautifully atmospheric paintings that evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing. The journal itself is eloquent in its simplicity, capturing the innocence of childhood and the profound impact of war.

The journal begins with typical observations of a young boy, such as "July 15: I went to a stream with my brother and teacher." However, as the weeks unfold, menacing details emerge. "July 27: A plane was circling over Anin." "September 1: The war has begun." "September 3: I hid from planes." "September 14: Warsaw is bravely defending itself." These haunting entries, interspersed with visits from relatives, a soccer game, a trip to a park, and an ice cream cone, paint a vivid picture of a holiday interrupted by war and a life forever altered by an extraordinary moment in history.

Photographs of the pages from Michal's diary enhance the poignancy of this simple record. They serve as a visual reminder of the ordinary holiday that was abruptly shattered by the onset of war, and of the extraordinary moment that changed Michal's life forever.

In conclusion, Michal's diary is a remarkable artefact that serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of storytelling. It reminds us of the importance of cherishing our memories, both good and bad, and of the profound impact that historical events can have on our lives. Through the eyes of a young boy, we witness the bravery, hope, and tragedy of a time that shaped the world we live in today.

Weight: 428g
Dimension: 146 x 206 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783791374864