Niedźwiedź, syn niedźwiedzia [Bear, Son of Bear]

One of the most anticipated Polish novels in 2026. Planned publication: April 2026.

Early spring 2004 in Izmir heralds a hot summer vacation for some, while for others it marks the end of running away from adulthood and the plans that family, society, and fate have for them. Nazım Kocabıyık, an ordinary fourteen-year-old, mainly thinks about girls, friends, comics, and music videos. One day, he skips school with his friends to play soccer and pretend to be commandos on the playground. On their way home, the boys encounter adventures and enjoy their last carefree moments. News of their antics reaches Nazım’s father ear, the owner of a café. He realizes that it’s time for his son, standing on the brink of adulthood, to finally take responsibility for himself and the family’s future.

Bear, Son of Bear is the second novel by Aleksandra Tarnowska. The author, living in Turkey, perfectly captures the local atmosphere and customs, drawing the reader into a compellingly told, poignant story from the very first page.

About the Author:

Aleksandra Tarnowska graduated from the department of Polish Studies at the University of Warsaw and currently lives in Gaziantep, Turkey. Born in 1990 in Staszów, Aleksandra grew up in a small town she still fondly recalls and where she tries to spend at least a few months each year. Aside from writing, she engages in proofreading as an editor for the literary magazine Szorty. Her short stories have been featured in various literary magazines, such as Drobiazgi, Malkontenty, and Helikopter. Wniebogłos marks her debut novel, and the new novel would be available in 2026.

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You can read about the first book of Aleksandra Tarnowska Wniebogłos here: