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BISIA & ISHAM: The Countess & the P.O.W.
On Valentine's Day 1945, two soldiers met in a small cafe in Lublin, Poland. She was a Polish Countess, a member of the Home Army (AK), fighting for her nation's doomed freedom. He was an escaped American P.O.W., searching for a U.S. mission. Neither spoke the other's language. Yet 11 days later they married, beginning a life of 64 years together. THE COUNTESS & THE P.O.W. is a son's retelling of his parents' momentous meeting, a story that illuminates the indomitable Polish character and boundless American spirit.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2022
9 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 23, 2022
Full disclosure, I've known Toni for a long time now and heard him tell many anecdotes from his parent's story over the years. Like pretty much everyone else I always said "Toni, you should write a book about this!" and now, finally, here it is.
It's an almost unbelievable tale of adventure, tribulation, determination, coincidence, love and commitment. Lovingly told with an attention to detail and the historical context of the events of their time. Having known the outline of the Reavis' story it was interesting and entertaining to finally read it fleshed out and fully told. Now Toni, let me say: You need to make a movie about this!
An amazing story and one well worth reading.
It's an almost unbelievable tale of adventure, tribulation, determination, coincidence, love and commitment. Lovingly told with an attention to detail and the historical context of the events of their time. Having known the outline of the Reavis' story it was interesting and entertaining to finally read it fleshed out and fully told. Now Toni, let me say: You need to make a movie about this!
An amazing story and one well worth reading.
April 30, 2023
A great read. Sometimes, there is simply no explaining as to how two disparate souls come to fall in love with each other. But yet that is exactly what happens when a Polish countess fighting to free her country from Nazi oppression meets an American refugee from a POW camp, even though neither understood the other’s’ language. This is a story of interconnected sojourns that is intensely readable. I recommend it highly.
August 24, 2025
I found this book while volunteering in the La Mesa Friend’s of the Library used bookstore in California. The cover intrigued me so I bought for $1 thinking it will be a quick read and I’ll donate when finished.
As I began reading and discovered Ishram was from my hometown of St. Louis I was hooked. I loved their love story, the patriotism they both had to their countries and their dogged determination the be together.
This book will remain on my bookshelf!!
A gem.
As I began reading and discovered Ishram was from my hometown of St. Louis I was hooked. I loved their love story, the patriotism they both had to their countries and their dogged determination the be together.
This book will remain on my bookshelf!!
A gem.
November 17, 2022
A labor of love and family
Toni Reavis did a masterful job of providing the parallel stories it his two parents. He developed the texture of both personalities in such a fashion that we begin to be friends with both and hope for their success in spite of mounting odds. It is a fascinating read about a very troubled time in history.
Toni Reavis did a masterful job of providing the parallel stories it his two parents. He developed the texture of both personalities in such a fashion that we begin to be friends with both and hope for their success in spite of mounting odds. It is a fascinating read about a very troubled time in history.
December 24, 2022
I’ve know the author Toni Reavis as a great sports writer and commentator but this book is something very different and very special.
The story of a Polish countess and an American P.O.W is a fantastic story of not only 2 very unique people but a great history reminder of the tragedies and horrors of World War II.
A book you will find very hard to put down.
The story of a Polish countess and an American P.O.W is a fantastic story of not only 2 very unique people but a great history reminder of the tragedies and horrors of World War II.
A book you will find very hard to put down.
May 28, 2023
Wow! Such an inspiring TRUE story of resilience, perseverance, loyalty, love...
I actually met Mme. Reavis 40 years ago as the grandmother of my classmate and friend M., and I later came to know her as my French teacher at the second Sacred Heart school where she taught (as described in the epilogue). As students, we all knew she had been a Polish countess who was very active in the underground resistance during WWII, but we learned few details. What a remarkable woman. As a French teacher, Mme. Reavis was tough but fair, holding high expectations for all, and she was absolutely BELOVED. Oh how I wish I had asked her more questions when we had the opportunity. I am so thankful her son Toni finally wrote this beautiful and compelling biographical tribute to his parents, giving those of us in their world a better understanding of their incredible beginning and perilous journey to freedom.
I actually met Mme. Reavis 40 years ago as the grandmother of my classmate and friend M., and I later came to know her as my French teacher at the second Sacred Heart school where she taught (as described in the epilogue). As students, we all knew she had been a Polish countess who was very active in the underground resistance during WWII, but we learned few details. What a remarkable woman. As a French teacher, Mme. Reavis was tough but fair, holding high expectations for all, and she was absolutely BELOVED. Oh how I wish I had asked her more questions when we had the opportunity. I am so thankful her son Toni finally wrote this beautiful and compelling biographical tribute to his parents, giving those of us in their world a better understanding of their incredible beginning and perilous journey to freedom.
May 8, 2023
I've never been eager to read war stories but this one is different. It's a compelling real-life tale of a woman born to wealth and privilege who joins the resistance to help save her country and culture. She meets an American POW and falls in love. From her smuggling guns in stacks of hay in the back of her wagon, to evading troops in the forest, Bisia is demur when she has to be and forceful when she must. Isham is strong, a leader, and knows what he wants when he sees Bisia in a club.
This book is meticulously researched and well-written. It's a wonderful story, made even better because it's all true.
This book is meticulously researched and well-written. It's a wonderful story, made even better because it's all true.
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April 4, 2025I have friends who had Mrs Reavis as a teacher and told me about this story. Two unlikely people to ever meet. A different place and time. They weee so resilient. A great love story and a historical story.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews