Anna Miś
author
REVIEW BY AGNIESZKA GŁOWACKA
PUBLISHED IN A POST ON FACEBOOK
ON JUNE 3, 2025
For the encouragement of hearts:
After a political drama, I propose a completely different literary genre - prose inviting you into the world of Fantasy,
where destiny reigns, because after all, "nothing happens by chance"...
There is a delight in life, reflection on death, and meditation with oneself - all of this the author
Ania Miś narrates with her characteristic gentleness and empathy. Mindfulness in full swing, one might say...
This story could well be called LA TENDRESSE (like my yet unpublished collection, lol;),
because it is tenderness itself - towards the world and towards oneself.
And after all, as T. Jastrun wrote, "only tenderness goes to heaven"...
This is a wise story, a balanced world. If you are looking for solace in literature - this book is for you
ANGEL IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD
Trees Speak
Paradoxes of life
Anna Miś, *Trees Speak. Paradoxes of Life* – REVIEW
Ewa Pustelnik, *the protagonist of Anna Miś's novel, lives alone on the outskirts, choosing closeness to nature over the hustle and bustle of the city.* Alone does not mean lonely – she is accompanied by various wonderful beings. An invisible dog, Epicurus, who has connections to other dimensions, a puma named Hebe, and the residents of the forest and marshes – trees, Niktosi, Drzejanie, Badylaki. Some are wonderful friends and companions, while others are hostile to a woman open to a bond with nature and beyond.
*The reader is smoothly introduced into Ewa's world,* where important are walks in the woods, tending to the surroundings, hugging trees, and bathing in the nearby lake. The protagonist excels in her role as a guardian of nature, joyfully observing the nearby areas and their inhabitants. She is also ready to develop her unusual powers through conversations with the dog Epicurus, deep attention, and sensitivity.
In *Trees Speak. Paradoxes of Life,* completely ordinary events intertwine with fantastic ones. The above description might suggest that it is a fantasy book. However, other elements indicate an esoteric novel that combines elements of fiction with issues related to esotericism, occultism, magic, spirituality, and other phenomena that go beyond scientific explanations.
*The author, right from the introduction, poses questions about the meaning of life,* indicating to the reader that the novel in hand aims to encourage reflection, significant considerations, and promises an "ordinary extraordinary adventure." It is this aspect of spirituality placed above building a fantastic world that distinguishes the esoteric novel from fantasy.
*As is fitting for an esoteric novel, the protagonist's adventures are also a path of her spiritual development.* The entire story is metaphorical, full of signs that Ewa and the reader must decipher. The forest and its surroundings are a mysterious setting, capable of being friendly but hiding many puzzles, undiscovered places, and perhaps other dimensions. All of this builds an atmosphere of tension, much like in a gothic novel.
Despite the aforementioned mysteriousness and built-up tension, and even dark events, *Trees Speak* is by no means a grim book. This is all thanks to promoting values such as closeness to nature, openness to new experiences, to another person (or any other being), helpfulness, and joy in small things. Ewa and her friends listen carefully to what the world wants to convey to them.
*The novel emphasizes the message to receive messages from the environment and at the same time listen to intuition* – this way, one can avoid unpleasant events. On the other hand, difficult experiences influence personal growth and should not be avoided, as evidenced by the story of Ewa and her friends. Going through difficulties together is easier and strengthens bonds. The author, besides leading a linear plot, weaves other literary forms into the text. She includes fragments of poetry and entire poems, and the protagonist reads her grandmother's memories. *Thanks to these techniques, the novel becomes multidimensional and conveys more than standard prose.*
*Each chapter of *Trees Speak* opens with a quote, which is already rarely seen in contemporary prose.* The selected fragments announce the content that will unfold before the reader and guide them toward the proper reception of the reading. The quotes are also likely a record of the author's reading inspirations and her recommendations. Among them, we find Olga Tokarczuk, Sandra Ingerman, Paulo Coelho, and titles from the realm of personal or spiritual development. I was somewhat surprised by the significant absence of Clarissa Pinkola Estés in this group, whose *Women Who Run With the Wolves* could be Ewa Pustelnik’s favorite read.
*Trees Speak. Paradoxes of Life* is a novel for those looking for a read that is not just entertainment. *Readers who enjoy esoteric novels, focusing on personal development and touching on themes related to nature should be pleased to pick up this extraordinary book. The adventures of Ewa and her companions are not trivial stories; they are tales with more than one wise message.* An attentive reader will find truths about friendship, faith in oneself and one’s ideals. And that they can follow their own path like Ewa Pustelnik, sometimes even against and contrary to others.
*Natasza Bednarek*
Reviewed in Poland on September 20, 2024
The poetry collection by the author is a fascinating and emotional journey. Above all, the authenticity and almost tangible love and longing for its fulfillment, as well as sensitivity to nature, are worth highlighting. Thank you!!!
YES, OTHERWISE
COLLECTION OF POEMS
HEDGIE WITH NO SPIKES
BEBE
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring fairy tale
Review from Poland dated June 22, 2024
Verified purchase
A beautiful and warm, magical story for children with illustrations that very nicely depict the fairy tale. It uniquely tells how to support children who are different from their peers. It teaches social skills for both adults and children. The fairy tale surprises, stimulates the imagination, and develops emotionally. An inspiring fairy tale. I recommend.
Hichuś Hichaczek and little Emi
BEBE
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring fairy tale
Review from Poland dated June 22, 2024
Verified purchase
A beautiful and warm, magical story for children with illustrations that very nicely depict the fairy tale. It tells in an extraordinary way how to support children who are different from their peers. It teaches social skills to both adults and children. The fairy tale surprises, stimulates the imagination, and develops emotionally. An inspiring fairy tale. I recommend.
Hichuś Hichaczek and little Emi
review
Anna B.
5.0 out of 5 stars Book for everyone
Review from Poland dated July 10, 2024
Verified purchase
I read the book intrigued by the fascinating title and of course - to find out who the titular heroine and her friend are. A simple and touching story, who among us adults has not experienced malice, heartlessness, and cruel treatment from others during childhood (as well as in adult life)?
Beautifully told story of Emi struggling with a genetic disease is a reminder, especially for us adults, of how important sensitivity and tolerance are, being open to another person; not everyone is the same,
but everyone deserves love and respect. Beauty is, after all,
in diversity. It is worth reading this little book with a child
(in the comfort of home, in kindergarten or school, on vacation).
It is a wonderful inspiration to talk to a child
about mutual relationships among children and to point out how important it is to be sensitive to the suffering of others. A beautiful, warm
and touching story! And those extraordinary illustrations! And by the way, a few English words...great idea. Everything speaks to the great sensitivity of Ms. Anna Miś. Congratulations to the Author! I will be waiting for more titles!
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email: autor@annamis.pl
Anna Miś
Digital author/creator