About this talk

The story of Bulgarian Jewry during World War Two is not widely known. Despite siding with the Nazis, Bulgaria's 50,000 Jewish citizens survived the Holocaust. That said, more than 11,000 Jews of Macedonia and Thrace, areas under Bulgarian control during the war, were sent to their deaths in the camps of Poland. This historic period sets the background for "Forgiveness", one of the twelve short stories of Rakiya – Stories of Bulgaria.

In the story, a young Israeli is invited to a mountain village in southern Bulgaria, where he meets an elderly Bulgarian war veteran. The Bulgarian reveals how he, as a soldier during World War Two, played a role in what happened to the country's Jews during those years, while the Israeli learns, for the first time, of his personal connection to the Holocaust.

The author lived for two years in Sofia and his experiences were the inspiration for this collection−stories told in the voices of native Bulgarians and foreigners visiting the country for the first time. In Rakiya – Stories of Bulgaria we meet two friends competing to prepare the best alcoholic drink; brothers on the hunt for a killer bear; a Roma woman who turns to pick-pocketing to support her young daughter; and an Israeli author of fiction who finds himself involved in a very real murder investigation.

In his talk, the author will share how he came to Bulgaria in the first place, how he grew to love the country, and how he was compelled to tell the story of Bulgarian Jewry during World War Two.

You can read more and order the book here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/rakiya-stories-bulgaria-ellis-shuman-ebook/dp/B0D3WQP9TN/

About the Author

Ellis Shuman is an American-born Israeli author, travel writer, and book reviewer. His writing has appeared in The Jerusalem Post, The Times of Israel, World Literature Today, and The Huffington Post. His short fiction has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize, and has appeared in Isele Magazine, Vagabond, The Write Launch, Esoterica, Jewish Literary Journal, San Antonio Review, and other literary publications. Along with his wife, he was a founding member of Kibbutz Yahel, in Israel's southern Arava desert. His kibbutz experiences are depicted in his first short story collection, The Virtual Kibbutz.

For two years, Ellis's job in Internet marketing was relocated to Sofia, Bulgaria. During their time in the country, the author and his wife traveled extensively, visiting its picturesque villages, enjoying its stunning nature, and learning about its unique culture, history, and traditions. In addition, they were introduced to the amazing story of Bulgarian Jewry during World War Two, and how the country's Jewish citizens survived the Holocaust.

Ellis's sojourn in Bulgaria has served as inspiration for his writing. He is the author of the novels Valley of Thracians and The Burgas Affair. His latest book is Rakiya – Stories of Bulgaria.