Local author Chris Piechowski has revealed the story behind his thrilling and compelling historical novel - POLES APART – FROM DARKNESS FIRE AND CHAINS.

Five years ago an ex-colleague from the

police sent me a small leather case containing a quantity of wartime personal

letters, photographs and postcards that had been mysteriously abandoned by, 'a

pleasant middle-aged Polish gent' in a Country Inn near Salisbury in the early

1970's. Like the occasional artwork or treasure, they had remained undisturbed

in an attic for over thirty years until they were rediscovered when the house

was cleared. Because of my Polish background I was asked if I would try to trace

the owner. At first, I didn't hold out too much hope because by then he must

have been well into his eighties, and I had little more than a name or two to

go on. Furthermore, as I was retired the search resources available to me were

somewhat limited and it soon became clear that I would have to make enquiries

both here in the UK and in Poland. 

As the letters were being translated I was

slowly and inextricably drawn into the awe-inspiring and terrifying events that

afflicted the Polish Nation during WW II: driving millions of its citizens into

death camps, slavery and resistance. I eventually traced the owner and a brother, who were both living in

England and, after I had returned the case and its contents, they were reunited

after thirty years separation. Even more remarkable, unbeknown to the owner of

the letters, his brother had been in contact with the rest of their family back

in Poland and a third brother then travelled over to meet them. What an amazing,

emotional and heart-warming reunion that was. The owner of the letters had not

seen him since 1939, when the younger brother was only seven years of age! Together

at last after nearly seventy years of doubt and uncertainty!

These events and the incredible experiences of my father,

my Godfather, and many other Polish veterans, who fought with the British,

inspired me to write. I wanted to tell the human story behind their incredible

achievements as they battled against unprecedented levels of cruelty, hatred

and malevolence, always hoping to be reunited with their families. It took me

four years to complete and has now been published by Pen Press Publications. Waterstones

at Trowbridge announced my first book signing event with this endorsement:-

'Looking for the next big thing? We've found

him! Chris Piechowski has written his debut novel, a family torn apart by its

own past, it also tells the story of the Brave Polish nation surviving under

tyranny. A well crafted book – this is one writer who will be winning some big

awards in the future!

More book signings:

Codford Village Fair on 25th June and Waterstones, Salisbury on 2nd

July.  It is also available through Amazon and

most online bookstores.  Contact: www.chrispiechowski.co.uk  or email cpiechowski@yahoo.co.uk