New Book Reveals the Untold Stories of Polish Artists During WWII

Polish Artists' Choices During WWII Explored in New Book: 'Boundaries of Betrayal' Warsaw, Poland – A new book, "Granice zdrady: Artyści w czasie okupacji" (Boundaries of Betrayal: Artists During the Occupation), by Marek Teler, is shedding light on the difficult decisions faced by Polish artists during the German occupation of World War II. The book, and a recent segment on Teleexpress TVP, explores the complexities of survival and artistic expression under duress. The TVP segment featured an interview with Teler, who stated, "This book is a collection of human stories, each of which could form the basis of a thriller or drama." The book delves into the lives of various artists, including Slawa Bestani, a popular operatic singer who continued her career during the occupation, and Bogusław Samborski, an actor whose collaboration with the occupiers later impacted his reputation. The book also highlights the challenges faced by individuals like Helena Wielgomaska, a postal worker, whose actions during the war are detailed within its pages. The segment also touched upon the difficult dilemma many artists faced: to create or not to create under such circumstances. Teler's book offers a nuanced perspective on the moral complexities of this period. "Granice zdrady" is a significant contribution to the understanding of Polish history and the resilience of its artists during a time of immense hardship.