A Friend of Man is the tenth collection of short stories by Andrzej Pilipiuk. This time there will only be four extraordinary stories. Two were devoted to Paweł Skórzewski, one to Robert Storm. However, the title story takes place in the world after the apocalypse.
Another puzzle to be solved
The story called Other Possibilities is actually quite typical. Robert Storm receives a unique item that has a story associated with it. And so, along the thread to the ball, he seeks to discover the truth. It’s fun to read, it’s easy to get involved, and even the final punch line is surprising. Nevertheless, I have a feeling of redundancy, because I’ve already read a few stories with Robert Storm in the lead role, so I know more or less what to expect. However, it is still a skillfully written, engaging and intriguing story.
Post-apocalypse according to Mr. P.
Pilipiuk decided to invite readers to the world again after the apocalypse that we got to know in the short story called Harcerka . There is also a lot going on here this time. The sisters Hydropathy and Hallucination find a shelter in which various valuable items, such as toothbrushes or a photo album, have survived. Most importantly, they find what is left of the owner of the asylum. As it turned out, from an early age until her death, she was accompanied by a dog … or rather a machine resembling man’s best friend. The girls decide to take him with them. Nevertheless, this is just the beginning of this adventure, because after a while it turns out that invaders have appeared in the area. The sisters have to flee in a panic so as not to be captured.
It is actually one of the most interesting “worlds of Pilipiuk”. Post-apocalyptic Poland, ruined Warsaw and the remains of technology from the past that can amaze even our contemporaries. I did not expect the Great Grafoman to return to this story, and here is such a surprise. It’s just a solid piece of action-packed history.
The adventures of Dr. Skórzewski in retirement
The doctor is over eighty years old, but still enjoys traveling. The Ghosts of Poveglia is a great story set in Venice in 1938. What’s so special about it? A psychiatric hospital, a revolutionary new research method and a patient who doesn’t want to be messed around with his head … and the hooded Carrier!
We heroes …– In 1942, Paweł Skórzewski cannot sit still and, despite his nineties, he continues to help other people, including Jews. Unfortunately, as a result of an unfortunate coincidence, she falls into the hands of the Germans. Of course, he is sentenced to death. However, as it turns out, fate smiles at him. Here a certain Kluger decides to take him with him on an expedition to investigate the place where the English sweat epidemic took place … And here Skórzewski and his companion of misery, Dr. Aaron Weisbaum, will try to survive at all costs! This is definitely one of the most interesting stories I have read. Placing ninety-year-old Skórzewski during World War II? Can it be successful? Of course! After all, he is a charismatic and steadfast individual. This story will surely remain in my memory for a long time,
Factory release
Of course, Fabryka Słów has released another gem. The book catches the eye with its cover, execution and the announcement of an amazing adventure posted on the back. Unfortunately, this time there were some minor bugs. Namely, one dot instead of a comma, and there was no dash in one place. Besides, I must admit that the title of the collection A Friend of Man does not suit me a bit, and in my opinion it would be better to choose the name of one of the stories about Skórzewski.
Does the Great Graphomaniac impress again?
This book is another great collection of short stories. In my opinion, it keeps the level of the previous ones, but also somehow it does not stand out. I liked the adventures of Skórzewski the most, because it is, to some extent, the culmination of his story. As for the story We, the heroes …The very fact that it was placed during the Second World War can be intriguing, and the farther away, the better. After all, it is known that Skórzewski is a gifted doctor and he will not be safe, even if the opponent is outnumbered! Once again, Pilipiuk proves that he is in great shape, has a lot of fascinating ideas and is simply able to draw readers into his worlds. If someone, like me, appreciates his work, he should read this book straight away. I encourage others to first become interested in the first collections, and then, when Skórzewski will no longer be so foreign, reach for a Friend of Man to fully enjoy the stories contained here.
