What Polish books are the most appreciated in the world? Goodreads, an online platform for readers, has created a ranking of the most popular items in Polish literature. The biggest surprise was the winner of the ranking.
It seems rather obvious that the list had to include books from the cult Witcher series by Andrzej Sapkowski. The Polish writer created a fantastic world that has won the hearts of millions of gamers around the world. His saga about the Witcher Geralt is not only a great read, but also an inspiration for creators of computer games and series. As many as three books telling the story of the Witcher's fate made it to the top ten of the ranking.
In fourth place was „Solaris” by Stanisław Lem. It is one of the most famous Polish science fiction novels in the world. It tells the story of a mysterious planet covered with an intelligent ocean that can materialize human memories and fears. „Solaris” is a book that can be read in many ways. Every reader can find something for themselves in it and draw their own conclusions. The book has been adapted into films many times and translated into 40 languages, which has further increased its popularity.
The books mentioned are cult classics and it was easy to guess that they have hundreds of fans outside the country. However, you may be surprised which Polish novel is at the top of the list of favorites among foreign readers. It is not a contemporary bestseller, but a classic that has stood the test of time: „Lalka” (The Doll) by Bolesław Prus, first published in 1890! „Lalka” is a novel that takes us to 19th-century Warsaw. In it, we learn the fate of Stanisław Wokulski, a young entrepreneur who falls in love with the beautiful but extremely capricious Izabela Łęcka. It is a story about love, money and social conventions that still moves readers. The victory of this book in the Goodreads ranking is proof that classic titles do not have to mean boredom, but on the contrary - universal, timeless stories.
Below is a list of the 10 best Polish books according to Goodreads readers. So? Which book from the ranking are you choosing as your first read?
1. „Lalka” – Bolesław Prus,
2. „Ferdydurke” – Witold Gombrowicz,
3. „Wiedźmin: Krew Elfów” – Andrzej Sapkowski,
4. „Solaris” – Stanisław Lem,
5. „Quo Vadis” – Henryk Sienkiewicz,
6. „Sklepy cynamonowe” – Bruno Schulz,
7. „Kamienie na szaniec” – Aleksander Kamiński,
8. „Wiedźmin: Chrzest Ognia”– Andrzej Sapkowski,
9. „Wiedźmin: Czas Pogardy” – Andrzej Sapkowski,
10. „Tango” – Stanisław Mrożek.
Source and full ranking: HERE