A review by purplepierogi
I'd Like to Say Sorry, but There's No One to Say Sorry To by Mikołaj Grynberg

5.0

wow. so good. Grynberg's monologue-eque short stories give glimpses at hidden family histories, lingering resentments, realities of "the Jewish experience" in contemporary Poland, particularly post-Holocaust generations. the stories keep a great clip and evoke the perfect dark-funny tone, I couldn't stop reading. I was also interested to read at the end that the author is known for his non-fiction work presenting oral histories of the children of Holocaust survivors ([b:Oskarżam Auschwitz. Opowieści rodzinne|23256687|Oskarżam Auschwitz. Opowieści rodzinne|Mikołaj Grynberg|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1411315292l/23256687._SY75_.jpg|42798107]). Ethnographic work isn't necessary for writing good fiction, of course, but does lend some at least imagined authenticity; and these monologues really did feel real, or at least conceivable, even with their quick and winky quality. I really enjoyed this collection, it does feel like a relevant nod to ongoing antisemitism in post-war / contemporary Poland, in a period neglected in English-language lit. would definitely recommend.