Rachel Clare

The Woodcarver of Krakow

Two brothers. Bound by a promise. Torn apart by war.

Tadeusz and Jacek Lewandowski are the closest of brothers. After the tragedy of losing their mother and with their father in the Polish army, they are raised by their grandfather, a skilled wood-craftsman. They enjoy an idyllic childhood in the Tatra Mountains.

Relying on each other for everything, Tad and Jacek have never been apart. That is, until, the Nazi and Russian armies close in on Poland in September 1939, forcing Tad to leave behind his degree course and everyone he loves to escape across occupied Europe.

Tad’s journey is fraught with danger but he battles on using the life-skills Jacek taught him growing up. Eventually reaching Blackpool, he joins the Polish Air Force. The war against the Nazis is just beginning and the aftermath of war has a huge impact on the lives of both brothers in more ways than one...