The Diary of Countess Anna Maria Berezowska

A literary masterpiece that waited over 200 years to be discovered, The Diary of Countess Anna Maria Berezowska, A True Story, is a unique, first-hand account by a young aristocrat unwittingly caught up in the brutal armed invasion of Poland, her beloved homeland, during the Polish-Russian War at the end of the 18th century. It reads like a romantic mystery saga, although it is authentic nonfiction replete with historical and cultural facts. It was translated into English by John A. Stelnicki, Anna's direct descendant, over 60 years ago.

Countess Anna and her writings miraculously survived raging fires and blizzards, murderous pillaging and ambush, imprisonment, near starvation, and other narrow escapes from death. Her descriptions of people from all social classes including Polish peasants and servants, are unprecedented. The unaffected way she confides her sincere emotions concerning love captivate and enchant.

This intimate narrative cries through to generations beyond, disclosing such vital current issues as rape victimization, unplanned pregnancy, social class injustices, religious differences, constraining traditions, assaults on women, forced confinement, war, betrayal... thus linking that bygone era with life today.

Our fascinating heroine also cannot resist peeking into and copying down racy extracts from her lascivious cousin Sophia's diary, My Delights, detailing her wanton sexual adventures.

Both Anna and Sophia, as well as the other unforgettable characters, cope quite diversely with the final full capitulation of their nation, Europe's first constitutional democracy.

John is a direct descendant of Countess Anna Maria Berezowska and the only living person to have received the original legacy of these incredible writings. He is a painter, sculptor, ceramist, and translator. John lives in San Francisco and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education with a double major in Social Science and Ancient History. This is John's first publication.
Iris is a portrait artist, translator, interpreter, copy editor, and English teacher. Her longtime friendship with John and her profound wish to share Countess Anna's poignant story has maintained her passion for this fascinating project. Iris is from California and has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology. She has lived in France since 1980. This is Iris's first published book.

"Recorded in sumptuous detail, this eyewitness account reads better than most fictional sagas. The heroine's environment is delineated in all its epic glory, while historical events and long-gone personages come vividly alive. Lovers of romantic literature and historians will find this diary's perspective compelling and its themes unexpectedly contemporary."

Richard Mandrachio

Northern California Book Reviewers

"An extraordinary glimpse into the turbulent life of a young Polish aristocrat, providing context for some of the most significant moments in European history."

John VandenBos

Founder and Editor-in-Chief of FUSAC (France USA Contacts magazine in Paris)

"This diary demonstrates how the feminine element in society has all too long been undermined and suppressed. Countess Anna's words are a fiery, engaging, and inspiring example of the raw strength and ingenuity of a courageous woman's mind and soul."

Margot Esther Borden, PhD

Psychotherapist, Author, Public Speaker

"Anna Maria's diary is a beautiful and haunting account of a life both enchanting and harrowing -- an historical gem, yet so applicable to life today. I simply could not put it down once I began reading it. We are all blessed that her work was resurrected for us."

Fr. Duane Sisson

Oakland, California

"A compelling true story that won't leave you even after you finish the last page."

Yvonne Fisher

Holistic Esthetician