New Świat Książki Bestseller ‘Kapuscinski Non-Fiction’ Sparks Controversy

It doesn’t happen all too often that a Polish book becomes a bestseller after just one day in bookstores. In this case the book in question is “Kapuscinski Non-Fiction,” Artur Domoslawski’s biography of the journalist/writer Ryszard Kapuscinski. Kapuscinski is one of the most internationally famous Polish names ever, and the work published by the Polish club and publisher Swiat Ksiazki, a DirectGroup subsidiary, will help to ensure that this remains so: Never yet has a Swiat Ksiazki book aroused such controversy.

While writing the biography, Artur Domosvawski traveled to many of the places described by Kapuscinski – e.g. Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Angola, Bolivia, Mexico, the U.S., and conducted many interviews with people who had known or met him. In due course of his research he revealed that some of the great journalist’s reports were dramatized and that some of his stories were, to a certain extent, tall tales. Domoslawski decribes this in his book, not without visible hestitation, though. Furthermore, he speaks of Ryszard Kapuscinski’s links with the communist intelligence as well as of his extramarital affairs and difficult relationship with his daughter. In fact, Mr. Kapuscinski’s widow Alicja Kapuscinska, unsuccessfully attempted at blocking the publication via court, saying it was damaging to her reputation and Kapuscinski's memory. 

But Swiat Ksiazki CEO Heike Rosener defends the book: “ I believe, a publisher has the right and even responsibility to publish also controversial books, which provoke public debates. I think Ryszard Kapuscinski deserves such an honest and deep biography.” And “Kapuscinski Non-Fiction” is that: Domoslawski, who was a close acquaintance of Kapuscinski, writes of him with respect and tactfully, presenting the great reporter as a man of flesh and blood, as the DirectGroup subsidiary is careful to emphasize in a press release.

Poland’s readers clearly want to see for themselves: during its first weekend on sale, prior to the official premiere on Mar 3, “Kapuscinski Non-Fiction” sold 45,000 copies through Swiat Ksiazki’s various outlets.