Jalynn Venis, a Springfield resident, has released her new book, "Janina’s War," which draws from the true World War II experiences of her aunt, Janina Korzeniewska. Venis describes the project as "a labor of love" and speaks highly of her aunt, whom she considers one of the most remarkable individuals she has known.
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Janina Korzeniewska was only 17 and studying at a cosmetology school in Warsaw, Poland, when World War II began. Shortly after the invasion, she was captured by a German captain during an air raid. Venis recounted that the captain, who was attracted to her, put Janina on top of a tank filled with stolen goods and instructed her to deliver them to German headquarters. Despite the danger of being shot at, Korzeniewska managed to survive that harrowing moment.
Displaying charm and resilience, Korzeniewska escaped captivity, reunited with her family, and helped smuggle Jews out of the Warsaw Ghetto. She was captured multiple times during the war but continually found ways to escape and assist others in peril.
Toward the war's end, she and a group of women were compelled to labor in a German munitions factory. In an act of leadership exemplified by her efforts during an Allied bombing raid, she utilized bicycles from a nearby shed to help her fellow workers reach safety. Venis expressed deep respect for her aunt's bravery and resilience, noting that Janina emerged from the war strong and grateful to be alive.
Venis began interviewing her aunt for the book in 2018, building on stories she had heard growing up. Korzeniewska passed away in October 2019 at the age of 97 in Carmel, Indiana. Although the novel has been in development for several years, Venis found inspiration for her writing in her new Springfield surroundings, reflecting on her family roots in Indiana.
The book, a fictionalized account based on Korzeniewska’s real-life experiences, has been well-received since its summer release and is available on Amazon for $15.99. Venis has also written a screenplay that is currently under review in Los Angeles. She hopes readers will find inspiration in her aunt’s story, recognizing Janina as an unsung hero of Poland who stood against fascism and oppression—a relevant message even today.
For those interested in learning more about "Janina’s War," Venis will be attending the inaugural Troy Book Fest on October 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Troy-Miami County Public Library.