The Boy Who Wanted Wings
by James Conroyd Martin
358 pages· 2016· ISBN 9780997894509
About
Aleksy, a dark-complexioned Tatar raised by a Polish peasant family, holds in his heart the wish is to become a Polish hussar, a lancer who carries into battle a device attached to his back that holds dozens of eagle feathers. As a Tatar and as a peasant, this is an unlikely quest. When he meets Krystyna, the daughter of the noble who owns the land that his parents work, he falls hopelessly in love. But even though she returns his love, race and class differences make this quest as impossible as that of becoming a hussar. Under the most harrowing and unlikely circumstances, one day Aleksy must choose between his dreams. "A gripping, transporting story of self-determination set against fate." ~Kirkus Reviews
On the eve of September 11, 1683, a massive Muslim Ottoman horde was besieging the gates of the imperial city of Vienna and had been doing so since the previous July. Now, however, they were just hours from capturing this capital of the Holy Roman Empire. The Turks' intent was to bring Islam to all of Europe, and this city was seen by East and West alike as the gateway. With the window of time closing for Vienna, the walls were about to be breached on September 12 when the vastly outnumbered Christian coalition, led by Polish King Jan III Sobieski and his famous winged hussars, descended Kahlenberg Mountain to engage the Turks in an attempt to lift the siege. As crucial and consequential as the 1066 Battle of Hastings, the ensuing battle changed the course of European history.
Discuss The Boy Who Wanted Wings with other readers
Join or start a book club for The Boy Who Wanted Wings on Readfeed. Live chat, shared reading progress, and AI discussion questions — free to get started.
Frequently asked questions
How do I join a book club for The Boy Who Wanted Wings?
Sign up free on Readfeed, then browse public clubs or start your own club with The Boy Who Wanted Wings as the current read. Invite friends with a share link and discuss together with live chat and AI discussion questions.
Can I discuss The Boy Who Wanted Wings with other readers online?
Yes. Readfeed book clubs let you chat live, share progress, and join discussions about The Boy Who Wanted Wings with readers worldwide — whether your club is virtual, in-person, or hybrid.
Is Readfeed free?
Yes. Creating an account and joining book clubs is free. Sign up to find readers who love the same books and start discussing today.