Literary critics from Onet.pl have shared their end-of-year reading recommendations, offering a diverse selection of new releases and anticipated titles. The list includes Robert Jackson Bennett’s fantasy novel, “The Poisoned Cup,” praised for its intricate plot and immersive world-building, alongside works from polish authors Mikołaj Grynberg, Małgorzata Lebda, Marcin Wojdak, Zyta Rudzka, and Han Kang, and Rebecca Makkai.The selections reflect a range of genres and themes, providing readers with a curated guide to recent literary offerings.
Robert Jackson Bennett’s “The Poisoned Cup,” Plus New Releases from Grynberg, Lebda, Wojdak, and More
Table of Contents
- Robert Jackson Bennett’s “The Poisoned Cup,” Plus New Releases from Grynberg, Lebda, Wojdak, and More
- Mikołaj Grynberg, “Rok, w którym nie umarłem”
- Han Kang, “Lekcje greki”, Wydawnictwo W.A.B.
- Marcin Wojdak, “Goodbye Gierek”, Znak Koncept
- Małgorzata Lebda, “Dunaj. Chyłe pola”, Wydawnictwo Warstwy
- Zyta Rudzka, “Tylko durnie żyją do końca”, Wydawnictwo W.A.B.
- Rebecca Makkai, “Nie ma przed czym uciekać”, Wydawnictwo Poznańskie
Joanna Postrożna poleca “Zatruty kielich”
A dead imperial official, felled by a tree inexplicably bursting from his body – that’s the gripping opening to Robert Jackson Bennett’s latest novel, “The Poisoned Cup.” The book is a compelling blend of mystery, intricate plotting, and a brilliant detective paired with an unlikely assistant, all set within a uniquely imagined world. The novel’s release comes as fantasy continues to dominate the publishing landscape.
Readers follow Dionis Kola, a “mnemorytown” – a person genetically modified to perfectly recall everything they see and hear – and Ana Dolabra, who some are already calling the next Sherlock Holmes. Together, they investigate the mysterious death at the Haz clan’s estate in Daretania and a looming attack on the coastal town of Talagray by leviathans.
Bennett plunges readers directly into the action, refusing to spoon-feed explanations about things like papery ferns, mai lanterns, or kirpises. He introduces modified bodies, unfamiliar units of measurement, and unique calendars, and it works brilliantly. Discovering this world organically creates a sense of immersion that’s rare in fantasy fiction.
The book is laced with humor when needed, maintains a gripping tension, and features characters that quickly win you over, all while delivering a fast-paced plot that’s impossible to put down. It’s a breath of fresh air in the genre and a read that’s well worth picking up, especially with more installments on the way.
Joanna Postrożna, wydawczyni Strony Głównej Onetu
Mikołaj Grynberg, “Rok, w którym nie umarłem”
Katarzyna Nowak poleca “Rok, w którym nie umarłem” Mikołaja Grynberga
“I hoped it wasn’t the counting down of the last times. The last time I look at her, the last breath I take, the last thing I think,” writes M. Grynberg in “The Year I Didn’t Die” (Agora Publishing). I won’t reveal more, but if you’re looking for one more book to read before the end of the year (one you’ll likely devour in a single sitting) or planning your first read of 2026, this should be it. It’s a light read, tackling important themes without pretension, with moments of humor and observations that resonate with everyone. It doesn’t moralize, but quickly clarifies priorities and even sparks an appreciation for everyday life. And if the title’s mention of “dying” puts you off, don’t be afraid – as reviewers have noted, it’s much more a book about a deep love of life.
Katarzyna Nowak, wydawczyni Strony Głównej Onetu
Han Kang, “Lekcje greki”, Wydawnictwo W.A.B.
Dorota Żuberek poleca “Lekcje greki”
I discovered Han Kang’s work – after being completely captivated by her acclaimed novel “The Vegetarian,” perhaps her most famous book – and was surprised to find this novel tackles similar themes, but in a completely different way, without the dramatic backdrop.
Can a love story be written that blossoms almost without words? And literally “without words”? The main character, after a series of traumatic events, stops speaking – a form of resistance, a withdrawal from society. Meanwhile, her Greek teacher, facing the inevitable loss of his sight, seeks alternative ways to communicate. They meet in an unexpected place, at an unexpected time, breaking all the “dating” rules along the way.
There’s hardly any plot here, more pauses and ambiguities than traditional narrative. It’s a demanding book, requiring both time and focus. But it’s exactly what I needed – and perhaps what we all need – a book that’s almost meditative.
In a world of excess words, gestures, loud declarations, and arguments that ultimately mean little, this book felt like a breath of fresh air.
Dorota Żuberek, wydawczyni Strony Głównej Onetu
Marcin Wojdak, “Goodbye Gierek”, Znak Koncept
Dominik Jedliński poleca “Goodbye Gierek”
Photographer and writer Marcin Wojdak, creator of the Instagram account Cosmoderna, takes readers on a sentimental, ironic, and reflective journey through the fading landscape of Poland’s communist era – bars, train stations, libraries, resorts. And the key to this story is the phrase “like in the Gierek era” – chairs like in the Gierek era, lamps like in the Gierek era, and even wallpaper like in the Gierek era. Importantly, Wojdak doesn’t romanticize the past. Throughout the book, cynicism mixes with affection, and ugliness goes hand in hand with captivating beauty. But “Goodbye Gierek” isn’t just a look at the unique architecture, design, and aesthetics of the Polish People’s Republic – often overlooked in official guides. It’s a reflective journey through time, combining reportage, stunning photography, and the author’s personal memories, becoming a meditation on transience and memory – on what remains and what disappears without a trace.
Dominik Jedliński, dziennikarz i redaktor prowadzący Onet Kultura
Małgorzata Lebda, “Dunaj. Chyłe pola”, Wydawnictwo Warstwy
Joanna Barańska poleca “Dunaj. Chyłe pola”
I approach the work of Małgorzata Lebda – whether poetic or prose – in a similar way each time. I feel like I’m approaching the door of the writer’s house and, after gently knocking, she comes out with a leash in her hand, with a dog running beside her. We go for a long walk during which I hear about nature and light, the turning wheel of life and death, and the persistence that literature teaches us. That was the case with the poetry collection “Danube. Fallow Fields.” The book is a farewell to a companion, a pause to reflect on what is old and, at the same time, an opening to the new. “And there is emptiness in you, mother landscape, / but also abundance.”
Joanna Barańska, Wydawczyni Onet Premium
Zyta Rudzka, “Tylko durnie żyją do końca”, Wydawnictwo W.A.B.
Jaśmina Marczewska poleca “Tylko durnie żyją do końca”
One woman, two lovers. Hedonism, moonshine, and medlars. Idyllic life and death. Lida leaves the city to live in the countryside with two lovers, swimming in the river, riding a motorcycle, and speaking her mind. Zyta Rudzka has given us another uncompromising and vivid heroine, and a story about confronting life, freedom, and relationships. And she’s told it in a style her fans love: direct, juicy, and with short sentences.
Rebecca Makkai, “Nie ma przed czym uciekać”, Wydawnictwo Poznańskie
Jaśmina Marczewska poleca “NIe ma przed czym uciekac”
There was Lucy, seemingly ordinary librarian. And there was Ian, a 10-year-old who didn’t fit in with his peers, raised in a strict household. One day, they got into a car together and drove off. Was this the beginning of a great adventure, or a lot of trouble? I eagerly joined Lucy and Ian on this journey in Rebecca Makkai’s debut novel, not quite as strong as “The Great Believers,” but still a compelling read. Rooting for Lucy and Ian, we have the opportunity to consider the limits of responsibility and freedom, but also where our ability to save another person ends. Above all, it’s one of those books about literature that teaches, builds, and saves. And who among us readers doesn’t like being reminded of that?
Jaśmina Marczewska, dziennikarka Onet Kultura
