#AnnaAndTheSwallowMan

[rueluxprince]

Anna and the Swallow Man. A book that I could not describe no matter how I try. It astounds me how such a short book could contain so much...ideas, feelings, things. It's a very confusing book, in that it confuses the reader and confuses itself, but somehow you can't bring yourself to hate it. I highly recommend. • I've been reading the Shadow of the Wind for the best few days, so I now sound like an early 20th century writer... End me! . My end of semester exams are only two weeks away and I have not formulated a revision plan I have no intention of keeping to, nor downloaded exercise questions that I will not do. I did not redo my notes to try and imitate a studygram because they give me motivation nor order coffee even though I do not drink coffee. I am a well organized mess right now. • • • • #goodreads #yabooks #yareads #book #reading #bibliophile #bookish #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookphoto #bookporn #bookphotography #bookworm #booklove #booklover #nerd #booknerd #reader #instabook #bookblogger #igreads #igbooks #iphonephotography #exams #annaandtheswallowman #revision #helpme

[alaskalockheart]

Anna and the Swallow Man - 5/5 🌟 So good! If you liked The Book Thief you should definitely read this. ~ Quickly (no spoilers) Synopsis ~ It's about a little girl living in Poland at the start of WWII. She grown up with conversation being a big part of her life and is fluent in several languages. Through a series of events she meets the swallow man who has a language of his own and together they try to avoid the war at all costs. ~ I love when a writer can actually write how a child thinks. This is a big part of why I love the book, Anna's view of languages and her understanding of what's going on around her is so heartbreakingly child-like it feels so much more real. ~ #annaandtheswallowman #thebookthief #bookreview #bookstagram #igreads

[ottakarsatticbooks]

I know it's a bit late but I've been working on ideas for recommendations for work and I thought it would be fun to share my top 13 books I read last year (one for each month plus one for good measure - I couldn't decide which one to leave out 😬) It was a really hard choice as I've read some amazing books last year but I managed to whittle it down to this selection. I hope anyone who's read any of these or who are planning on reading any of them enjoy them as much as I did! :) 📚 #AnnaAndTheSwallowMan #GavrielSavit #SixOfCrows #LeighBardugo #HarryPotterAndTheCursedChild #JKRowling #JackThorne #JohnTiffany #TheMarvels #BrianSelznick #TheRosieProject #GraemeSimsion #TheSecretOfNightingaleWood #LucyStrange #TheIronMan #TedHughes #Plumdog #EmmaChichesterClark #LighterThanMyShadow #KatieGreen #TheGoldfishBoy #LisaThompson #Cogheart #PeterBunzl #Lumberjanes #NoelleStevenson #AllMyFriendsAreSuperheros #Bookstagram

[siobhan-keane97]

I planned to get one book but I said Three please. 😀📖📚 #happybookworm #harrypotterandthecursedchild #annaandtheswallowman #wonder

[bookdweller]

About to finish this beautiful book and am emotionally wrecked. Worth the tears. 😭😭💔#bookstagram #book photography #booklr #annaandtheswallowman #ww2

[kplusbookclub]

Paul- Savit, Anna and the Swallow Man

Throughout Savit’s first major success Anna and the Swallow Man a new and interesting tie has been added to the association between linguistics a disciplined, structured institution and the curious but innocent nature of a child. By taking what is foreign and having given it a paternal familiarity Savit is re-explaining the principles of child cognition as being made of compound definitions rather than separate and judgemental evaluations that would attempt to dissociate those elements and classify them separately; the error of popular xenophobia of the time. By using clearly vulnerable and innocent child; Savit is also putting in question some of the existential dilemma that exists in us as reader as we are defined by an identity quite often arbitrary and based upon our location and its ascribed feature such as language; the cement that offers us nation, geographical definition and state authority. By offering Ana the gift of language in her early childhood Savit is liberating those restraints is in Osmosis with the entirety of Europe. Whilst traditionally the learning of language is an empirical process that demands effort in order for us to develop spontaneity thus familiarity In the face of a fascism sporadic in its influence as it swallows the haven of identity and belonging that is Europe, language has also changed becoming volatile thus must be concentrated on one man who can be the pinnacle of identity; The Swallow Man.    

On the other hand (and quite fascinatingly) the exoticism of a pre-war Europe also appears to make us fall in a state of naïve curiosity comparable to that of Anna’s. With the drastic demographical shifts that subsequently develop in a post war Europe, many people have moved and with them tradition. Whilst to our modern comprehension Europe is certainly diverse this still remains a strongly political statement. On the other hand the swallow man proves to us the contrary by, thus we understand the transgression that values such as nationalism and populism crystalized in Fascism of the diversity that Europe knew in earlier eras, bringing the founding concept of country and nationality in harmony with the geographical definitions that nature offers reflected in the polymath skills the swallow man possesses. By these multiple descriptions it seems that the academic world is brought to reconciliation with a Europe subdued by fascist authority.    

Amusingly whilst Anna and the Swallow man appears by its narration rather more as a fantasy and a poetic tale rather than an genuine account of clandestine life under the Nazis, there still appears to be strong traits of inspiration from historical popular misconceptions. Amusingly and as the strongest of references to our misunderstanding because of our language barrier; Anna could ultimately become Ann. An Ann like Ann Frank that would speak much better of the general oppression of children during World War two if only we had this rapid capacity to understand the link there exists in semantics between our different nations. It is quite flagrant that references to the eponymous diary are constantly in front of our faces yet hidden by our own linguistic barrier blocking us from familiarity with the dialogue filled with emotions both of a happy and sad tone.    

On the other hand Savit being a man of Jewish descent it seems there also exists an Ancient Testament approach to the swallowman’s paternity. In his safeguarding of Anna through the poetic cycles of nature and the profound euphemism of Anna with the harmonious creature of an “endangered bird”, it is not a better appreciation of Anna that appears to the reader the but profound metaphysical inference that is showed that is influenced by a portrayal common in Polish Catholicism for death and the resolution of life.    As the critic A Murphy stated “The philosophy of fiction, the problem of empty names, and the debate over existence's status as a property have all risen out of relative obscurity to become central concerns, while perennial issues such as free will, possible worlds, and the philosophy of time have had new life breathed into them.” Such is the case for Savit’s work as infantile fantasy makes its way across human history, breaks conventional reasoning and frees a polymorph opinion in us all, over a world war that often leads to narrow opinionated reasoning.

Paul Chatal

[bossladykei]

Anna and the Swallow Man by Gavriel Savit

Anna and the Swallow man by Gavriel savit 

  Description:

Kraków, 1939. A million marching soldiers and a thousand barking dogs. This is no place to grow up. Anna Łania is just seven years old when the Germans take her father, a linguistics professor, during their purge of intellectuals in Poland. She’s alone. 

And then Anna meets the Swallow Man. He is a mystery, strange and tall, a skilled…

[jjjaynie]

Anna and the Swallowman by Gavriel Savit. I've not read a book in a long time that I can say is truly beautifully written until I picked up Anna and the Swallow Man. Set in occupied Poland during WW2 the story follows a young girl named Anna who looses her father one morning due to the war. She is left alone and unwanted by many of her townsfolk friends until a stranger - a peculiar man, takes her under his wing and leads her on a road of survival during a time when surviving was one of the hardest challenges that could be set. They meet aquatences, enemies, and even a kindred spirit along their path of solitude and companionship. Never have I read a book about the war that has transported me into a world that allows us to see a glimpse of the reality of a horrific, scary, unpredictable and lonely world that was frequently experienced by so many during the time of the war. Despite the nature of the characters situation and hardships Gavriel Savit shows us that in spite of war bonds can be made (perhaps even, stronger in times of sorrow), the warmth and joy of friendship and the importance of the little joys in life be it a kind gesture of sharing when there is little to be had, singing with a friend or committing a compromising act for the people you care and love the most. This is an amazing book and one which I feel should be experienced by all. I hope that if you do pick it up, that you enjoy it as much as I did :)

[bookishhollow]

Snow pictures are almost as fun as beach pictures! I figured this would be a good book for a picture :) I am really excited to read it soon because it is really short! I did just notice the binding is a bit messed up :/ #bookstagram #booknerdigans #yalit #yalovin #annaandtheswallowman #gavrielsavit

[firstinlinereaders]

Lovely surprise in my mailbox! Thank you so much, @firstinlinereaders!! Can’t wait to start reading it. 😄📚 

Happy reading @graceslibrary! We hope you enjoy Anna and The Swallow Man! - @firstinlinereaders #FirstInLine

[happyindulgencebooks]

A bookish mail day is the best! Can't wait to pick up #passenger after everyone's raves and I've heard that #AnnaandtheSwallowMan is really moving! Thanks @harpercollinsya @penguinteenaus for the review copies! Also won tickets from @qbdthebookshop to see Goosebumps and picked up #ladymidnight samplers at @dymocksbooks. How was your day today? TAG: #unreadbooks by @cityoflawrenceglitters! Thank you!

[zoejameswilliams]

My #bookoftheweek in @sweveningpost #annaandtheswallowman #gavrielsavit spins a dark & heartbreaking tale laced with history & fable #childrensbooks #yalit #teenbooks #bookworm

[sisterspooky]

Thank you for this intriguing delivery. @gavrielsavit @penguinplatform #annaandtheswallowman

[gavrielsavit]

Look what just came in the mail... On sale January, 2016! #ARCs #AnnaAndTheSwallowMan #AintTheyPretty (at Home)

[kplusbookclub]

Georgia- Savit, Anna and the Swallow Man

‘Anna and the Swallow Man’ is a touching wartime tale, set during the Second World War written by Gavriel Savit. It all starts on the 6th of November 1939 when Anna’s father doesn’t come home after going away for a few hours. He has been “found”. Fortunately, we think at the start of the novel, Anna has amazingly met a mysterious man who encourages her to follow him. This is the start of a many years long adventure the two of them will have together, where they will hide, to avoid being “found”. Anna never stops walking and never stops searching for explanations. However, unfortunately for Anna (and us), many of these questions she has will remain unanswered. Because of this, this is a book that you will never want to finish. Although you know the story will inevitable end, it will leave you desperate to read more and uncover the secrets. ‘Anna and the Swallow Man’ is a stunning, captivating read, which engages you into Anna’s story, as you experience your own journey of emotions.

Context is used at certain points throughout the novel about the historical information of the war. I found this important as it gives background knowledge of the situation that occurred at the time of war. The context reminded the readers that this novel is based on a real event, and war was actually something which happened that many people traumatically had to live through. It brings us away from the fantasy aspects of the story, to show that this was reality for many people, who were trying to survive how Anna and the Swallow Man did. These are not just characters in a book, but they represent real people’s stories, which is hard to remember without the context. A quote that stood out to me was, “war is a heavy word in every language”. I think this is important as whatever language you speak, the actual word “war”, despite meaning a conflict, ironically unites everyone in the fact that it means that same devastating event which brings hurt and sadness to everyone. 

Although this book was moving, touching and beautifully written, I found it somewhat unsatisfying. It left me always asking questions, wanting to know more. Where was the Swallow Man taking Anna? Who really was the Swallow Man? And why did he choose Anna to mysteriously appear to? While reading this novel, a growing frustration grew inside of me towards Anna, as to why she never asked the Swallow Man these questions and why she let him keep so much from her, especially as she was described as being “precocious” and having an inquisitive nature. The Swallow Man even told her, “the second promise you must make to me is that you will ask me every single question that you wish to ask, with no exceptions”, which leads me to wonder why she didn’t follow this. I also found that Anna accepts what the Swallow Man says too quickly, accepting his response as it ‘making sense’, instead of questioning what he said to get a full understanding.

I would say this story is a bildungsroman, a coming of age story which shows the events of Anna’s life as she is growing up. However, she has far from a normal upbringing. She is sheltered for a very long time about the truth of the war as she is hidden from the everyday events, however she is also forced to be practical and mature very quickly. She certainly isn’t living or acting how any seven year old girl should. The Swallow Man also changes a vast amount throughout the novel. In the beginning he is mysterious, endearing, intriguing and astounding. He is strong, knowledgeable and inspiring, and Anna refers to him as a “miracle”. Although he is reserved and self-contained, we get the impression that he is cheerful and every so often we see a smile emerging from him. Anna hears the Swallow Man laugh only three times throughout their whole journey together, which lasts over many years. Out of 232 pages in the book, by the end of page 38 the narration says, “This was the second time that Anna had heard the Swallow Man laugh”. However quickly, the Swallow Man’s morals can be questioned. He carries a gun as one of his few possessions, which the audience knows before Anna does. This makes us feel uncertain about the Swallow Man and whether we, and Anna should, trust him. He also steals, and the reader has to decide for themselves whether they think this is a justice action he has to take, to save himself and Anna. 

The Swallow Man tells people what they want to hear, and makes up lies that they’d enjoy to eventually manipulate and use them for getting the things he wants. He always lets them speak to him first, so he can accustom his language to theirs. He explains to Anna his language, “Road”, saying that “in road there is no way to lie”. This conversation came about when one day the Swallow Man told a truck driver that Anna’s mother had left her with him and run off. When Anna refuses to accept this statement, as it is not true, the Swallow Man says, “don’t you remember, that’s Anna’s mother you’re talking about”. I think that the Swallow Man uses his language of “road” to say what he wants and it is an excuse to lie. It allows him to manipulative the truth, and to manipulate Anna into believing what he is saying due to his wisdom he has portrayed to her. I could even go as far as to argue that the Swallow Man has brainwashed Anna on their travels. Firstly, by taking her name away from her, which is her identity and the only thing she has left. He replaces this by him calling her “sweetie”, and her calling him “daddy”. I find this uncomfortable as he is not Anna’s dad, and by having this title it automatically puts him in the authoritarian position over her. I would have liked to see Anna grieve more over her dad, and although Anna seems to deal with everything that happens to her very well and often remains composed, I would have liked to see her more emotionally engaging with the readers, so that we could relate to her pain more. However, this could be due to her age and the fact that Anna is so young she doesn’t understand everything in the way that we do. I think that throughout the novel, the Swallow Man has taken away her inquisitive nature and ability to have free, thoughtless speech. Anna always has to do what the Swallow Man said, as his say was the final say. This is shown in the scene where Reb Hirschl confronts The Swallow Man about how it was wrong to kill Peddler, and questions his intentions of the role model he is being for Anna. Anna is awake listening to all of this, and hears the Swallow Man threatening Reb that he will kill him. It was infuriating to me when Anna didn’t say anything to support Reb, even though if she said something I think it would have made more of an impact on the Swallow Man, considering it was clear Reb and the Swallow Man both would have done anything to protect Anna. I thought that by her staying quiet, Anna was being a coward and only stuck with the Swallow Man because she thought she had to. This anger I felt only increased after reading about the death of Hirschl, who was a liked character throughout. He was humble, positive, friendly and harmless, the only consistent character in the novel, who had the most morals. This made me dislike the Swallow Man, especially, more, as I couldn’t help but think his death was in his hands. 

This novel is very ambiguous, especially towards the ending. We are not sure of the Swallow Man’s intentions, or who he really is. There is a theme of birds throughout, and the Polish tale of “Boruta” left me confused as to whether the Swallow Man was in fact a bird, as he could speak the language, ate birds and resembled one when he was dying. This however, could just be a metaphor to make us explore more whether he was a good man or a demon. There was also an insight into his past, with the small shoe he always kept at the bottom of his bag. This implied a small child in his past, perhaps one that he lost, and we can assume Anna reminded him of her as he calls her “Greta” at one point. Maybe this was why he was so intrigued with Anna in the first place, however we are never sure. The very ending left me in even more bewildered, as I wondered why the Swallow Man never returned back for Anna when he promised he would. I can hope that he did this for Anna’s benefit, and in the end, when she is on the boat approaching a new country there is hope that there is something better for Anna to come, and in fact for the whole world, as the pain of war was ending. 

This was an enjoyable, thought provoking read, which leaves you with many uncertainties that you can interpret in your own way. It was inspiring and heart-warming novel, and I will be looking forward to reading more of Gavriel Salvit’s novels in the future.

Georgia Sheehan-Stewart

[bossladykei]

#annaandtheswallowman