Win a signed copy of The Barber from Budapest & other stories

In the autumn of 1997, a few weeks after the sudden death of my mother, I sat down with my elderly father, András, and listened intently as he told me his life story. He and I talked for several hours, our precious conversation, and my father's rich narrative, preserved on film. 

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Months later, in Budapest, he began writing his life story. He did not live long enough to complete it, but bestowed his writings upon me before his passing. ‘You vill have to finish it, darling,’ he said, handing me a hardcover journal. 

My father’s notes, and the recording of my interview with him, remained tucked away for over a decade. In 2015, I resurrected them and began editing his writings, translating them slowly from Magyar to English. I wove his stories into a memoir, sprinkling in a little history, together with my own musings and reminiscences, and a handful of my mother’s treasured recipes.

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Published in November 2016 by Parsley Lane Press, The Barber from Budapest & other stories, is a tribute to my forebears, and gives a powerful glimpse into their lives as refugees and as a family at peace. To you, the reader, I offer inspiration through evocative stories, and the gift of a Hungarian feast.  

Traditional Magyar recipes featured in part three of my book include Lángos (deep-fried bread rounds), Gulyás leves (goulash soup), Paprikás csirke with nokedli (chicken paprika with soft noodles), Szilvás gombóc (plum dumplings), and Szalagos farsangi fánk (ribboned carnival doughnuts).

I have been truly humbled by the praise, kind words, and positive reviews that have been flowing in since the launch of the book. Thank you all so much.

​With only limited stock remaining, I would like to give ONE lucky Good Things reader the opportunity to win a personally signed and inscribed copy of The Barber from Budapest & other stories. As a bonus, I'll include a package of  Herbie's Spices Noble Sweet Hungarian Paprika as part of the prize.

Paprika is a staple in the Hungarian larder

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The Barber from Budapest giveaway...

SThe prize pack will include a personally signed and inscribed copy of my book, The Barber from Budapest & other stories (published by Parsley Lane Press, RRP $32.00), PLUS a package of the finest quality Noble Sweet Hungarian Paprika from Herbie's Spices (RRP $4.85).

For a chance to win The Barber from Budapest prize pack, all you have to do is tell me in 100 words or less why you would like to win. Post your answer in the comments box below.

Entries will be judged according to originality (chance plays no part in determining the winner), and the winner will be notified by email. 

Please ensure that you enter your current email address (one you check regularly!) with your comment/entry so you can be reached in the event you're selected as the winner. If the winning reader does not respond to my email notification within 48 hours, I will redraw the competition and select a new winner.

Please note: due to the exorbitant cost of postage from Australia to overseas, I'm afraid that this competition is open to Australian readers only (with sincerest apologies to my readers from outside Australia). The prize pack will be shipped to the winner's Australian street address via Fast Way Couriers. The competition closed at midnight on 5 March 2017 AEST.

​AND THE WINNERS ARE JOHANNA, ROS & AMANDA!

Thank you kindly to all who took the time to enter the giveaway. I appreciated your comments and kind words so much, and honestly wish I could send each of you a copy of my book. xo

The prize pack includes a signed copy of my book PLUS Herbie's Spices Noble Sweet Hungarian Paprika

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Dearest readers, in the event that you don't win but would like to read my book, limited stocks are available at both Dymocks and Fairfield Books in Melbourne, Abbey's Books in Sydney, Matilda Bookshop in Adelaide, and in Canberra at the National Library of Australia Bookshop, Paperchain Books in Manuka, and Book Passion at the Belconnen Markets. You can also buy copies direct from me.

Please bear in mind that a percentage of the royalties from sales will be donated to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). A most worthy cause, in my humble opinion.

Thank you for taking the time to enter the competition. ​Best of luck and much love, Bizzy Lizzy xo