“Joachim” is a beautifully told story about a young man searching for his own identity. It encourages reflection and addresses the issue of parents’ attitudes toward a young person and his choices. The story is set in the charming town of Bolesławiec, with its historic landmarks, everyday life and disputes, a town pulsating with cultural activity.
At times, the book is soothing like a Sunday afternoon, while at others it grips you by the throat so tightly that you feel sick. It is funny (very funny!), but it is also frightening. Sex is in the air—the good kind. Unfortunately, the bad kind happens too. But it happens for a reason: so that someone can grow up, someone can understand something, someone can help someone else, and someone… can fall in love.
The story begins in Wrocław. The retired teacher Sylwia spies on Joachim and his parents as they leave for their holiday. His parents are heading to sunny Spain, while Joachim is sentenced to exile in a small town. At first, Bolesławiec frightens Joachim, but then the boy falls in love with the town as if it were his first love.
“I must say right away that I did not expect it; I did not think the book would draw me in so much or be this good! To be honest, I expected something different, but instead I got the story of many extraordinary people. I also discovered a town with a very interesting tradition and history. The coming-out itself is merely a backdrop to the events and stories presented by the author.” Blogger Toska 82
The book can be purchased at Agora bookshop (Rynek, Bolesławiec) and in online bookstores, including zaczytani.pl, Papirus Bolesławiec, Empik.
All information and reviews of the book “Joachim” can be found on Grażyna Hanaf’s website.
(information: GH)