Piotr Markiewicz: How did your adventure with Marta Kisiel’s books start?
Jarosław Trzpis: I remember that I couldn’t convince myself to reach for Marta’s books for a long time. Somehow, this cartoon cover for Life was strongly rejecting me. In addition, I had the wrong impression that this story is simply for children. I don’t remember where it came from, but the feeling was so strong that in effect my first book from Marta was Nomen Omen. Only after reading Salomea’s adventures, I said to myself “okay, Jarka, you liked it, so maybe you are senselessly prejudiced?” So I ended up with Life in my hands, laughing to the next page like a fool to cheese. Now, of course, I have most of Marta’s books on my shelf and I am a great supporter of her work.
Jarka: And how was it in your case?
Piotr: I ended up living in prison by accident . The book was sitting on a shelf in the bookstore, and the cover caught my eye. I read its description and it struck me as absurd and funny at the same time that I bought it without much thought. Already the first pages made me love Konrad, and then other characters. Right after reading it, I also purchased Nomen Omen . And then… I was just waiting for the next premieres.
Piotr: If you had to choose one favorite title, which one and why?
Jarka: Even though I love Licho and Bazyl, my favorite title is Toń . Time travel, an interesting sisterly relationship and many secrets – it’s a fantastic mix for me. I remember when I finished reading it and the following days I had a book hangover. I literally couldn’t find a place for myself.
Piotr: What do you value Ałtorka for the most?
Jarka: It seems to me that for frequent use of less frequently used vocabulary in everyday life and references to romanticism. Of course, I also love the fact that Marta’s books are extremely funny and full of fantastic adventures, but it is the lexical sphere that holds me when I decide to read everything that comes out of Ałtorka’s pen.
Piotr: Throw a quote that you remember particularly well
Jarka: Oh, there were so many! For example, ” What is this nationality, if not by pure coincidence?” The result of a series of coincidences that we have no influence on anyway, such as the gender or color of the eyes we are born with . ”
” Downstairs, George Michael (…) cried out for the Christmas time that internal organs were handed over to the wrong hands.”
Jarka: Which hero is your favorite and why?
Piotr: It is difficult to choose just one character because Kiślowersum is full of brilliant heroes. But since this question has already been asked, I will say that there are two of them. They are Matylda Bolesna and Konrad Romańczuk. Their extraordinary characters, approach to life and supernatural things, and the power working on others are amazing. From the very first pages I felt a strange connection with them. I would love that the two of them could meet on the pages of the novel one day … although it’s probably not possible (fans know why, I will not spoil the others).
Jarka: Maybe you have some memories with Ałtorek?
Piotr: I have one! I was able to meet Ms Kisiel personally on the occasion of one of the Pyrkon. I even managed to exchange a few words with her and get her autograph, which I can boast about now. But it is not everything. I also interviewed her for The Last Tavern. In addition to the official exchange of questions and answers, I put in a bit of private life and now I know who is playing World of Warcraft and on which server to look for it. If I had ever known the nickname, I would have known if our paths in Azeroth had crossed each other.
Jarka: Retelling history – by Marta: what story would you like to read in Kisielowa’s version?
Piotr: As I have already mentioned, some delicate crossover of the Wrocław Cycle with Life Cycle would be interesting . I think that Ałtorka, as a WoW fan , could describe a story from this universe. I think it would be completely different here, but just as good as the books by Christie Golden. I can already see these humorous and pop culture conversations between orcs and trolls. By the way, the Alliants would probably have gotten a bit in the ears, which I wouldn’t complain about at all. Even if it is not compatible with the lore .
Jarka: Who would you recommend Marta’s books to?
Piotr: Would I recommend it? I have recommended it a long time ago! Life imprisonment has already passed through several pairs of hands. My mother and colleagues from work love Marta Kisiel as much as I do. The whole group is looking forward to the next titles, and as soon as these are released, we start reading immediately, so that we can comment on them. The person who reads first is the worst, because he has to keep quiet so as not to reveal a fragment of the plot. But later, especially at work, a small discussion club is made and an attempt is made to decide what turned out to be the best!
On behalf of the editorial office of the Last Tavern, we send Ałthor best birthday wishes!
The main graphics come from the website of the Uroboros publishing house.
