C. Hope Clark
5.0 out of 5 stars A history book worthy of the read - nicely done
Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2021
Verified Purchase
I offer a disclaimer first...that I am not Czech or Slavic; however, I heard of the book and respected the author and went ahead and read it. The history is written incredibly well, and doing so through the eyes of a painter and his life's journey on top of it all, is brilliant. I can see if you are of this heritage that this would be mightily useful in understanding one's family lineage. This could easily be a textbook at the university level. Kudos to G. M. Barlean. Nicely done.
Becky Breed, Co-Author of Writing in Community:Say Goodbye to Writer's Block and Transform Your Life
5.0 out of 5 stars Worth Reading, Especially Those Interested in Slavic History
Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2021
Verified Purchase
Seasoned author of many books, Gina Barlean brings a new and deeper understanding to the history of Slavic people, especially Czech history. Using a beautifully illustrated series of twenty paintings by Alphonse Mucha, a renowned Czech artist, as a framework, Barlean describes the meaning behind the Slav Epic. Mucha, speaking at the dedication of his paintings said he wanted his life's work to describe "who we were, who we are, and what we hope for." Barlean has succeeded in exceeding Mucha's goals in her well-researched written anthem.
M. J.
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book
Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2021
Verified Purchase
I knew about Czech foods from family dinners with older relatives but when traveling in the Cz Rep I realized I knew little to nothing about its classic artist -- Alphonse Mucha. Beautiful book.
