The thing that separates most Polish authors from other Western authors is the sense of responsibility they bring to writing. Minor Apocalypse is a prime example of this. Konwicki's use of self-reference and surrealism is not only breath-taking and provoking, it allows him to make very bold (for the time) comments on post-war Poland and the machinery of politics, propoganda, and activism.

You follow the author around on what might be his last day on Earth and in that day he lives an enitre lifetime. He forms and breaks friendships, he falls in and out of love (within a few paragraphs), he is awoken and handed his destiny.

But most of all, this book, while profound, is very funny. You will find yourself laughing at the ridiculousness of it all...