The Barber from Budapest & other stories by Liz Posmyk
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The Barber from Budapest & other stories is a memoir of survival, hope and love. It follows the life of András (my father), born in Hungary before the cataclysmic changes
of World War II tore at the fabric and heart of his world.
'By luck or by miracle’, András lived through childhood tuberculosis and
extreme hardship in the years leading up to and during the War.
Serendipitously, he befriended Irén (my mother), the spirited and beautiful ‘girl from the Tobacco Factory’, who was every bit as industrious and courageous as himself.
In time, she would become his sweetheart, and then his devoted wife.
Escaping poverty, the oppression of Soviet-occupied Hungary, and the clutches of the ÁVO (secret police) after the Revolution of 1956, András fled his homeland and brought his family to Australia. They settled in Canberra where he achieved recognition as
The Barber from Budapest. A gentle man with great strength of character
and a quirky sense of humour, he enriched the lives of all he met.
Determined to give her children a better life than her own, Irén nurtured the family
with a delicious repertoire of Hungarian dishes – the recipes of which
have been chronicled within the book.
This poignant memoir is my tribute to my forebears, and is a powerful glimpse into
their lives as refugees and as a family at peace. To you, the reader, I offer inspiration through richly evocative stories, and the gift of a wonderful Hungarian feast.
of World War II tore at the fabric and heart of his world.
'By luck or by miracle’, András lived through childhood tuberculosis and
extreme hardship in the years leading up to and during the War.
Serendipitously, he befriended Irén (my mother), the spirited and beautiful ‘girl from the Tobacco Factory’, who was every bit as industrious and courageous as himself.
In time, she would become his sweetheart, and then his devoted wife.
Escaping poverty, the oppression of Soviet-occupied Hungary, and the clutches of the ÁVO (secret police) after the Revolution of 1956, András fled his homeland and brought his family to Australia. They settled in Canberra where he achieved recognition as
The Barber from Budapest. A gentle man with great strength of character
and a quirky sense of humour, he enriched the lives of all he met.
Determined to give her children a better life than her own, Irén nurtured the family
with a delicious repertoire of Hungarian dishes – the recipes of which
have been chronicled within the book.
This poignant memoir is my tribute to my forebears, and is a powerful glimpse into
their lives as refugees and as a family at peace. To you, the reader, I offer inspiration through richly evocative stories, and the gift of a wonderful Hungarian feast.
Click here to take a peek inside...
Sally Hammond. Author, food and travel writer: |
This uniquely personal and touching memoir underlines the important role of migrants in Australia’s culture and culinary growth. Liz Posmyk, a talented food writer and cook, has crafted a beautiful book – both a personal tribute to her own heritage, as well as a valuable legacy of traditional family recipes. It is an important addition to Australia’s food history.
Hilary Burden, journalist and author: |
More than a cookbook, this is an amazing story. A privilege to see inside an immigrant family’s life. One that makes you see your own in a different light. I can’t wait to bring these family recipes to life in my own kitchen.
The Barber from Budapest & other stories by Liz Posmyk.
Published in 2016 by Parsley Lane Press
RRP $32.00 AUD, plus shipping.
© Liz Posmyk 2016. All rights reserved.
Published in 2016 by Parsley Lane Press
RRP $32.00 AUD, plus shipping.
© Liz Posmyk 2016. All rights reserved.
WHAT THE READERS SAY:
"I have just read your book from cover to cover in one sitting - I couldn't put it down. It's an amazing body of work - a mixture of laughter, tears and pride. You have told the story beautifully. The photos are heartfelt and complementary to the memoir..."
"I cried, I laughed. I loved it and I want everyone to read it."
"The best books, like yours, are straight from the heart."
"I love your book... totally engrossed."
"It's a very interesting book and so very relevant when you think of all the refugees and displaced persons in the world at the moment."
"I have just finished reading the book ... and loved it".
"Absorbing... I started flicking through it and devoured half of it... I could not pull myself away."
"I love the book, it's riveting."
"I read the book almost in one go... thoroughly enjoyable."
"The best book I have read in ages!"
"I loved it and read it in one sitting."
"I have just read your book from cover to cover in one sitting - I couldn't put it down. It's an amazing body of work - a mixture of laughter, tears and pride. You have told the story beautifully. The photos are heartfelt and complementary to the memoir..."
"I cried, I laughed. I loved it and I want everyone to read it."
"The best books, like yours, are straight from the heart."
"I love your book... totally engrossed."
"It's a very interesting book and so very relevant when you think of all the refugees and displaced persons in the world at the moment."
"I have just finished reading the book ... and loved it".
"Absorbing... I started flicking through it and devoured half of it... I could not pull myself away."
"I love the book, it's riveting."
"I read the book almost in one go... thoroughly enjoyable."
"The best book I have read in ages!"
"I loved it and read it in one sitting."
Currently sold out.
To buy from a bookseller in Australia, ask for a copy of The Barber from Budapest & other stories at PaperChain Books in Manuka, Book Passion at the Belconnen Markets, the National Library of Australia Bookshop, Muse Canberra, or Fairfield Books and also Red Door Books of Lancefield in Melbourne, and Abbey's Books in York Street, Sydney.
To buy from a bookseller in Australia, ask for a copy of The Barber from Budapest & other stories at PaperChain Books in Manuka, Book Passion at the Belconnen Markets, the National Library of Australia Bookshop, Muse Canberra, or Fairfield Books and also Red Door Books of Lancefield in Melbourne, and Abbey's Books in York Street, Sydney.