Jadwiga's Crossing: A Story of the Great Migration

by Aloysius A. Lutz, Richard J. Lutz

This beautifully written, meticulously researched work is a must-read not only for Polish-Americans, but for all readers who are interested in learning about the challenges and joys of the trans-Atlantic crossing made by millions of European immigrants in the late nineteenth century.

Richard and Aloysius Lutz have written a compelling tale about the hardships encountered by a group of poor Polish immigrants, viewed through the eyes of newlyweds Paul and Jadwiga Adamik.

Readers are introduced to Poles and Polish folklore from several regions of then-partitioned Poland, as well as the tensions that existed between Poles and the three nations that occupied Poland in the nineteenth Prussia, Russia, and Austria.

This work of historical fiction will resonate with readers whose ancestors, three or four generations ago, made the same difficult decision to uproot their families from their familiar surroundings in Europe in order to secure a better life in America. Their stories about their emigration from the Old World, often carefully passed down from generation to generation, have been woven into the fabric of Jadwiga's Crossing.

For many Americans today, the story of Paul and Jadwiga Adamik's crossing offers a fresh look at the courage of, and sacrifices made by, their grandparents and great-grandparents over 140 years ago. Jadwiga's Crossing offers masterful storytelling-a riveting journey into the past.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Poland, Immigration, Fiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Carol]

Being of Polish extraction I found this book particularly interesting. This is based on true stories from an upper New York state Polish emigrant community that begins in 1869 in the north of Poland. One brother collected the information in the 1950's and began writing the book and when he died his brother finished the book. When you consider that this book is written by people who are not professional writers it is all the more impressive how well the story line evolves and holds together. It held my interest all the way through.

About 60 per cent of the book focuses on the ocean voyage itself which I found particularly interesting. I don't know of any other books that devote that much attention to the hardship of the voyage. That part is usually given short shrift. The various characters and their motivation are well developed, especially Jadwiga and her husband Paul. Anyone with an interest in the immigration to America should find this worthwhile.

Congratulations to Richard and Aloysius Lutz on a fine remembrance of their ancestors and what it meant and took to leave your home and all you knew for a vague hope of something better in a very foreign place.

[Patti Raney]

A well told story based on real people! Poland has a very interesting history. It is a country unjustly oppressed and partitioned by it's neighbor countries. This was the story of the migration of a young Polish family as well as other Poles as they made their way to America and the story of their crossing by ship. It is a story of a determined, honest and hard working people and what America had to offer to them and so many. I was moved by their story!

[Kay Green]

Jadwiga and Paul were wonderful characters, and I loved the story of how they met and then again how they settled in America. Since they came to America 30 years before my ancestors, they probably had a rougher voyage. The middle part did not interest me as much - too much hardship, deprivation and eventually tragedy on the crossing. But then their arrival in America brought so much hope and eventually prosperity to the family. The church with the Polish speaking pastor was such a comfort to them - true for all my relatives also. I would like to read more about the early days in America.

[Marnie]

even though my great-grandparents emigrated from Poland some 40 years after the characters in this book, I couldn't help but imagine them facing the same struggles. the fear and uncertainty, coupled with 60+ days confinement in the cargo hold of a sailing ship, are inconceivable to our modern sensibilities. this book gave me a new-found respect for those who braved the unknown in search of a better life. I only hope that I'm living up to their dreams.

[Maryjo]

Growing up I always heard my grandfather tell stories of coming over to the United States by boat. In my child's mind I had visions of large cruise ships-Titanic style. Jadwiga's Crossing gives great insight into what our immigrant grandparents went through to come to the United States. A great story for anyone whose family entered the US during the period of the Great Migration.

[Andrea Z]

I stumbled upon this book and it’s been on my shelf for awhile. So glad I finally read. Now I realize the hardships my ancestors had to deal with to come to America. The strength, Faith, determination and pride of the Polish people were so evident in this story.

[Joyce Ziebell]

"Jagwida's Crossing" is a great book, enjoyable by anyone but especially readers of Polish heritage. It is a true account of the hardships and perils that Mr. Lutz's great-grandparents endured to realize their dream of a better life in America.

The story begins in a fishing village in Poland and ends in Dunkirk, New York, but the greater part of it takes place aboard the ship carrying uncertain but bravely optimistic flesh and blood people to a new land and a new life. My grandparents could very well endured similar experiences; they too originated from a Baltic fishing village and emigrated to Milwaukee's Jones Island in the 1870s. The scenic details are absolutely mesmerizing as are the struggles the immigrants endured.

I liked the fact that the author's main character was a strong female who knew what she wanted and stood up for what she believed in. And I loved the folk tales retold to the children.

If you're looking for a good book to get lost in, one that will make you stay up until the wee hours of the morning because you just have to find out what happens next, this is it.

[Mary]

I bought this book at a talk by the author at the Polish Heritage Society and had it signed to give as a birthday gift to a relative who enjoys history and genealogy. Richard Lutz took family stories that his father had written down in 1950's and put them together to make this novel. Good story; very readable. Jadwiga is a strong young woman with lots of determination and energy. I like her very much.

[Mimi]

What an absolutely delightful historical account and a labor of love. Started by Jadwiga (and her husband Paul)'s grandson, it was finished by the next generation down - I believe his son. Excellent pacing, sweet story, and a good account of the trip across the Atlantic, the way that faith was part of the story, and the American Immigrant Experience.

[Amy Gourley]

This book is about Jadwiga and her husband Paul's journey to America from Poland in 1869. I thought i would like it more than I did; the beginning the middle were kinda boring and it picked up more towards the end.

[Judie]

If possible, I'd give this book a 3.5 star rating. This work of historical fiction was enjoyable. It is not a "page turner" but is the fictionalized account of the authors' ancestors' emigration from northern Poland (the Kashubian region) via ship. It gives one some insight into the hardships and challenges of those who chose this perilous journey. It may be especially interesting to those interested in genealogy.

[Theresa]

Made me think of my grandparents journey