Marika

I found this novel, which spans two generations and two world wars, compulsive, I was unwilling and unable to put it down. It is the biography of a mother and daughter and takes place a the end of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The second part of the novel recounts the daughter's life as a refugee at the end of the Second World War. It sensitively combines humour and sadness as it tracks her journey from Hungary across Europe. Eventually, it tells how she met her English husband and came to live in the West Country. Although I read the book before the start of the war in Ukraine, I am reminded of the struggle depicted in it each time I hear news reports of present-day Ukrainian refugees. I am reading the book for the second time and thoroughly recommend it.

A biographical story of Berta and Marika, who are Austro-Hungarian, which traces their lives as they survive WW1 and WW2. The author Varga has a calm, measured pace, skillfully interweaving the two narratives. We follow Berta's transportation from Hungary to Austria and Marika's exploits living on the family farm in Hungary. Marika's harrowing escape to Austria during the war is described in dramatic detail. The story is based on true lives, and the photographs, letters, and diary extracts add authenticity to the story, making it even more realistic and pertinent. A most enjoyable read as you become entwined in the destinies of these two remarkable women.

I couldn't put this book down, it was so good. The fact that it was based on true events made it particularly enjoyable!

Beautifully crafted and highly relevant. A compulsive read.

MARIKA is a wonderful book! The central action of the story moves around two women, mother and daughter, based on the real diaries, letters and verbal history of the author's family; the writer remarkably has been able to weave into the tale five generations of women in her own family. The reader can look behind the words to witness a gentle steeliness that is passed down from generation to generation as the women navigate social mores and family challenges in a fast-evolving world, and establish independence in adventures across Europe during peace and war — the writer unflinchingly chronicles the women's own accounts of life during conflict, as refugees and survivors. There are entanglements, mistaken intentions, love, humour and the kindness of strangers along the way! I recommend it!