Books, Blogs, Authors and More discussion

Tell us your views on Saying Goodbye to Warsaw!

This is a wonderful book, and it is my opinion that the author should be congratulated for taking mere words and using them to tell such a fabulous story.

... is what I'm hoping someone might say.

After reading this book before the group read started I very much agree with the top comment. I'm not even flattering you Michael :)

From the very start I have found it difficult to read this book. NO not because it is a bad book; IT IS NOT. The story is effectively told and therefore for me brought back, with force, many unpleasant memories. For example, the reality of how Abigail feels about her shoes. For a good part of the war (WWII) I had no shoes and for sometime had to use rags wrapped round my feet to prevent them being totally torn to pieces. Therefore I may honestly comment upon how well Michael Cargill has portrayed the realities of such an existence. In many ways this reads as if it were a memoir. Though difficult (for me) I am looking forward to reading on.

I've finished the book, but I'd like to discuss the language issue. All the dialogue is in English so that English speaking readers can understand it, but we have to assume that the characters were speaking their own languages. This is a fictional device that is widely used by authors. When I'm reading, I try to keep track of the actual language that is being spoken in my mind.

At one point, I was reading a flashback and Abigail understood what the Nazis were saying. I asked myself whether it was likely that Abigail knew German. Recently, I realized how she could understand them. Most Jews in Eastern Europe spoke Yiddish which is a combination of German and Hebrew. So Abigail would be able to understand a great deal of what the Nazis were saying, though maybe not everything.

I've seen comments in reviews that the use of UK English in dialogue is inappropriate. I disagree. If it's appropriate for American authors to use American English when the characters are actually speaking a variety of languages, then it's appropriate for UK authors to use UK English in these circumstances.

Yes, there were one or two people who picked up on the language thing. I made sure that I kept the use of British regional expressions to a minimum (cockney rhyming slang wouldn't really have been appropriate, for instance), but for the most part I wrote it similarly how I've written my other books.

That's an interesting point about Yiddish being similar to German, I didn't know that. There were plenty of Polish people in the ranks of the Wehrmacht, so that's another way that Abigail could understand the guards around her. It was one of those areas where I had blur the line between fiction and actual history.

TR - I'd be very interested to hear what you think of the story if you manage to finish it. Where were you living during the WWII years, if you don't mind me asking?

Michael Cargill wrote: "Yes, there were one or two people who picked up on the language thing. I made sure that I kept the use of British regional expressions to a minimum (cockney rhyming slang wouldn't really have been..."

I have frequently been asked that Michael. However, I decline to answer because, despite how much some of them may deserve it, I do not wish anyone to suffer repercussions or worse for their actions. Neither do I think it fair their decedents and friends should be embarrassed by the revelations. To this end I have, in my autobiography/memoirs changed or omitted names of individuals and locations. It so happens many would recognise who I am if the location was revealed. Naturally, I have disclaimers in my books. I am sorry but I honestly think it only right I protect those people.

With regard to the comments regarding language. I find it strange anyone should make such a point. After all the idea is for British, American and other English speaking/reading people to enjoy the book. Of course it would be possible to have it translated but that is quite a task and, from what I understand, expensive. The point about Abigail understanding the soldiers is a valid point and has been well explained. In my own case, though I do not speak German, there was never any problem understanding what they were about.

Please be assured, no matter how difficult I may find it, I will finish your book. I do not believe in agreeing to something and then not doing it.

I FOUND THE BOOK RIVETING. HAVING BEEN BORN IN THE DEPRESSION I REMEMBER WWII VERY WELL. THE STORY IS HARD TO TAKE CONSIDERING THE SUFFERING OF THE CHARACTERS. AS THE AUTHOR I COMMEND MICHAEL. WELL DONE. I DIDN'T THINK THE ENDING WAS NECESSARY. I FELT LIKE YOU ADDED IT AS A WAY TO END ON A SOFTER NOTE....KIND OF WASH AWAY SOME OF THE PAIN AND THAT IS UNDERSTANDABLE.

Glad you enjoyed it, Jac.

With regards to your point about the ending, you're actually very close to the mark.

Just finished a week ago. Liked it very much not my usual read but got through it quick, for me I should add.

Ah yes, I saw your review a few days ago - I did wonder if you had got it from this group.

It's good that you managed to enjoy something outside of your comfort zone.