Adam Fornal

Set in 1944. A shepherd boy enters an abandoned palace he has seen only from the distance since he was a boy. Once he enters the palace, strange things begin to happen as though he was dreaming the events rather than living them.

Fall 1925. Six hundred officers demonstrate in front of Józef Piłsudski’s country house in Sulejówek, demanding the Marshal’s return to active political life. May 1926—a government crisis; Wincenty Witos forms a new government. Piłsudski’s move sparks clashes between supporters and opponents of the ousted government. Piłsudski appoints Kazimierz Bartel as prime minister. The beginning of the “moral reform.” Ignacy Mościcki becomes president. Summer 1930. A joint platform of opponents to the Sanacja government is formed. “Centrolew” is established.

The main character is Anna, an outstanding pediatrician. She survived the harsh years of war in a concentration camp and cannot accept the behavior of her daughter Natalia, who uses her connections and cares only about material goods. Anna is reminded of 1939, when Piotr, who had been missing for forty-five years, arrives in Poland. Together, they visit places that are important to them: Auschwitz, Sachsenhausen, and Ravensbruck.

Young Marcin wishes to escape his life in a village and make a career in a city.

After a disaster in the mine, Łopot, a technician, protects the perpetrator. He soon faces a moral dilemma.

Henryk Matula has flashbacks to being imprisoned in Auschwitz after he gives a lift to an American tourist who wants to see it

A troublemaker returns to his home village, reigniting friendship with his former teacher and looking to atone for his wrongdoings.

Przybora, an engineer, undertakes the construction of a modern mine. His fiancée supports him in the hardships of his work.