"Pan Darek": Jakub Żulczyk's new novel from the "Ślepnąc od świateł" universe goes on sale

Jakub Żulczyk has published a new novel, "Pan Darek". The book went on sale on 21 October 2026, published by Świat Książki. In it, the author returns to the "Ślepnąc od świateł" universe, familiar to both readers of the books and viewers of the TV adaptation.

What the book is about

The action begins in 1990, long before the events of "Ślepnąc od świateł". According to Polskie Radio, the opening is set in the Tricity. The title character is just coming out of prison. In free Poland, his situation is completely different from that of the gangster readers met in later events.

The novel takes the reader deep into the mind of a character whom the media describe as one of the most beloved villains in Polish pop culture since 1989. In promotional materials, the author says readers will learn things about the character that were previously unknown.

The end of the trilogy

According to the author's announcement, "Pan Darek" is the third and final book in this universe. On his Facebook profile, Żulczyk stressed that the books are connected with one another, and not only "Pan Darek" and "Ślepnąc od świateł". He appeared there signing 4,000 copies of the new book ahead of its release.

The writer's previous novel from this world, "Dawno temu w Warszawie", was published three years earlier, as Polskie Radio recalls. It was that book that introduced readers to the capital's criminal underworld.

Style and the protagonist

The interview with the author on Onet Kultura takes its title from his words about the book's style: "The style is filthy, because the protagonist is filthy". We were unable to retrieve the full text of the interview, so we do not quote any further remarks by the writer.

Polskie Radio also points out that the announcement of the book took on additional significance after the death of Jan Frycz. In the TV adaptation of "Ślepnąc od świateł", the actor created the cult role of Darek, who is the main character of the new novel.

What this means for you

The news is cultural in nature and has no direct legal or financial consequences. For readers living in the UK, it is a chance to pick up a new work by a Polish author. Books published in Poland can usually be ordered from Polish online bookshops or bought in Polish shops and bookshops in the UK. It is worth checking with the seller whether this title is available outside Poland.