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. 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. 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. 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 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 19/2/2017 12:25:41 am
Dear Liz. I've followed your book adventure via Facebook and sadly, given our terrible exchange rate never ordered one. My sister lives in Sydney so the postage would at least not been a part of the cost. I'm hooked on biographies and autobiographies. Especially ones that resonate with my past. 3 of my 4 grandparents were refugees. Each with a different story to tell and with completely different outcomes and endings. I wish my grandmother had shared her story as I think it's the one people would have loved to read about. Love Tandy 19/2/2017 03:09:00 am
Good luck to everyone. Do you think you'll do a reprint of it Lizzy?
Lizzy
19/2/2017 03:10:42 am
Many thanks for your kind message, Lorraine. And thank you also for buying a copy of the book. A reprint? No, not at this stage I don't think. That said, they are almost all sold so it will depend. x 19/2/2017 08:04:02 am
I have always wanted to have a copy of your book Liz. But let me really honest....I am not in the habit of buying many books but rather borrowing it from libraries. Maybe it's to do with the fact that I have moved around a lot and never been able to carry my books with me. So when your's got published, I had bookmarked it to be borrowed which I will irrespective of this opportunity. But now that you say 'a signed copy', I would definitely want to have that in my collection!
Hi Liz,
Ros
20/2/2017 04:05:52 pm
Hi Liz,
Simone Mason
20/2/2017 04:07:33 pm
Lizzie I enjoyed your book so very much and my nan is reading it now. Such a generous giveaway. Thank u.
Denise Martin
20/2/2017 04:09:44 pm
Australia has grown in so many ways thanks to the migrants who came here; like your own family, Liz. It's a great thing you did in capturing their stories. I did read your book from the library but would love to have a copy to call my own. 20/2/2017 04:41:09 pm
I'm sure who ever is the winner will be thrilled with this lovely prize. Good luck to each reader.
Maryanne Simpson
20/2/2017 05:24:04 pm
I would love to win a copy of your book, Lizzy. Sadly I'm not in Australia. Will you be distributing any to Canada or the United Kingdom at all?
Lizzy
5/3/2017 11:45:40 pm
Dearest Maryann, at this stage the costs of postage are prohibitive, but I am looking at putting a kindle version onto Amazon as soon as I can.
Bob Bennett
20/2/2017 05:24:39 pm
Proud to say we've read it and have it sitting on our shelves.
Carol Abnett
21/2/2017 02:01:23 am
I wish that I had sat down with my dad and got him to open up about his past, my father passed in 2000 and mum in 2013, after mum had passed away I was contacted by my father's nephew and he sent us the family tree, it turns out that my father was Jewish and we had no idea. I think he kept it secret as he fought in World War 2 for England. When we asked about his upbringing he would just tell us funny stories about his family but nothing about himself. I feel very sad that at the age of 80 he was still afraid to talk of this. He never returned to England as he was afraid that he would not be allowed back in Australia. So I envy you that you had the chance to talk with your father and cherish those memories.
Lizzy
5/3/2017 11:46:27 pm
Dearest Carol, thank you for your very kind words. xx
Thelma Wilson
22/2/2017 03:31:57 am
Yes I used to enjoy your newspaper column as well and I missed you when it stopped appearing in the paper. Heard you on Radio National and was moved to tears. I wish I sat down with my grandfather to hear about his life stories, he had such a full and long life.
Mark Huntley
22/2/2017 03:34:42 am
I've been reading your articles for many years and always enjoy them. The reviews of your book make it sound really interesting and I think it would be a great read. Anyway congratulations Lizzy.
Ilona Sz
22/2/2017 03:36:53 am
My grandparents came to Australia about the same time as your family, Liz and I wondered if maybe they were in Bonegiulla at the same time. I would love to win a copy of your book and pass it to my family.
Dear Lizzy, you must be over the moon with the reception your book has had since you published it.
Genevieve Barton
22/2/2017 04:04:54 pm
I have seen copies of your book in a couple of the bookstores here in Melbourne, but my budget has been really really tight over the last couple of months. Would love to win a copy and share it with my sister.
Dawn Nemes
27/2/2017 04:01:06 am
I think what you have done for your father is truly amazing and you travel cooking is fantastic ,i can't get enough of it😊Dawn
Lizzy
5/3/2017 11:47:24 pm
Hi Dawn, thank you for your very kind words xx 5/3/2017 07:48:00 am
Your book sounds amazing and I would love to read it. It is so important to remember our family history and so lovely that you have recorded it in this way. I also think that in our current climate where immigration is such a difficult issue for the nation, it is important to remember the difficulty and celebrate the achievements of refugees who have come in the past. Those who don't know our history have so little perspective and empathy and the history buffs among us all know where that leads! Comments are closed.
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Welcome...Üdvözölöm
Cooking and writing have been a lifelong passion. Join me as I share with you my favourite recipes; postcards and morsels from my travels; conversations with cookery writers and chefs; and news on food, cookbooks and cooking. - Liz Posmyk
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NB: I use Australian standard measuring cups and spoons in my recipes.
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