An often moving and nostalgic paean to the vibrancy of boyhood friendships and the minutiae that make up a life.
—Kirkus Reviews
Beneath the Polish Moon by Jake Kaminski is a story of a lifetime. Luke Karpinski comes from a family of Polish immigrants who settled in Milwaukee, escaping the Second World War. The Polish Moon, the famous Milwaukee clocktower, stands faithfully watching over its residents, forever reminding them there is no place like home. Luke grew up during the 1960s. It was a simple and carefree time for him and his friends in the neighborhood. Yet, as time goes by the world around Luke begins to change. After high school, motivated to “protect and serve,” Luke moves to Miami and becomes a police officer. Gradually, the job Luke loves takes a toll on him. The sweetness of childhood becomes soured by the ugliness of the violent crime. However, his heritage and memories of life “beneath the Polish Moon” never leave him. They are precious reminders, spanning time and distance, beckoning Luke to come home.
Jake Kaminski’s Beneath the Polish Moon is brilliantly nostalgic. The narrative captures your heart from the beginning and keeps a grip on it to the end. Mr. Kaminski masterfully uses the literary device of flashbacks written within a linear structure. The time shifts are easy to follow and eloquently reveal the development of the main character. The good ole days versus the harshness of the here and now create an internal struggle within the protagonist. As the parallel timelines merge, the past collides with the present, causing the protagonist to self-evaluate and question his life choices. It was obvious as I read the novel, the intimacy the author has with his characters. Kaminski wrote from his heart and personal experience, penning his characters as precious threads woven into the tapestry of life. The characters are charming, sincere, and relatable, and each of them uniquely contributes to the character growth of the main character. Furthermore, the narrative is wonderfully descriptive, allowing the reader to become part of the time and setting. Beneath the Polish Moon is a compelling story of family, friendship, and boyhood adventures, as well as a legacy of love and loss, all enveloped in the reality of time and eternity.
—Cheryl Rodriguez – Reader’s Favorite
I enjoyed reading Beneath the Polish Moon. Jake Kaminski’s narrative is skillfully written, vivid in description, and flows at a good pace. In Luke, we have a protagonist we can relate to and a story that is both engaging and poignant. Described as “a good man trapped in a violent world,” Luke is utterly human as he struggles with balancing work and family. Though we don’t all face the same level of stress he does at work, many of us also struggle to find that same balance. Alternating between episodes of Luke’s boyhood and his adult life, Kaminski weaves a story that both honors the values of friendship and family and acknowledges the personal price many cops pay as they battle crime.
-Kimberlee J Benart – Readers’ Favorite
Beneath the Polish Moon by Jake Kaminski is a slice-of-life tale that follows the life of Luke Karpinski, a first-generation Polish immigrant living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who becomes a Miami PD cop later in his life. Split into two separate narrative arcs, one follows Luke’s childhood in Milwaukee, growing up in the early 60s alongside his friends, while the other showcases his life as a police officer in a drug-infested Miami in the 70s and the 80s. Luke grows up in the Polish neighborhood, having numerous adventures with his friends, Eugene and Stanley. Later as a Miami city cop, he leads undercover missions against the cartel members from Colombia. His job as a police officer takes a heavy toll on his personal life, leading him to return once again back home.
I am a very picky reader, if I don’t get drawn in to a story within the first paragraph or chapter, I simply put the book down, and not go any further. This book captured my attention from the first few words, and I am glad to report that I did not put the book down, because it just got better and better every chapter. I was drawn to the real world violent drug trade conflict, the culture clash, the characters, the adventure and the action. I could definitely see this story on the big screen one day. Definitely a must read, the author clearly has some background and technical experience, you will not be dissapointed! If you’re looking for a new exciting book, look no further, go ahead and get this, you will not be dissapointed. Great piece of storytelling!!!!
Shadow Wolves is an excellent read. Kaminski cleverly weaves a riveting tale of good vs evil starting in the Old World then morphing into the New World. Kaminski paints a picture of emotions, attitudes, all five senses, and locations with his words. The pages turn quickly as the story unfolds. A must and exciting read.
Captain James Schultz – Retired. Sarasota Police Department.