In 1910, Jan Brozek is a lone traveler making his way across Europe with a singular purpose: immigrate to America and establish himself there as quickly as possible so he can afford sending for his fiancée, Maria. But as is the case with many best-laid plans, Jan's soon go terribly off-course.
It begins with him saving the life of a stranger-the daughter of a powerful nobleman-and the attraction for her that he must grapple with, and which only grows more intense. Jan's travels bring to his metaphorical doorstep murder and corruption, personal tragedy, natural disasters, and everyday drama; and the people Jan meets along the way tempt him with unexpected opportunities until his long journey takes one more, final unexpected turn.
Inspired by the journeys-at times exciting, at other times tumultuous, and almost always nerve-wracking -of all immigrants, including his own grandfather, John Michalik wrote
Another Way Over: A Novel of Immigration to America
to not only encourage thought about why people seek a better life for themselves and their families, but also in recognition of the courage and commitment it takes to pull up stakes and pursue a new life, the contributions immigrants may and can make to their new home, and the spirit in which they should be received.