Today we talk about MEMOIRS OF A REFUGEE, a book by Agi Takacs published with our Publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the author, Agi Takacs, to get to know her better, what prompted her to the writing of her autobiographical book MEMOIRS OF A REFUGEE, as well as how she defines her writing style.
Below you can find our interview. Take a seat and enjoy your reading!!!
- What prompted to the writing of your autobiographical book?
It was during “lock – down”, and time was hanging. I thought why don’t I record some of the things my late husband and I experienced during our short time together when we first arrived in South Africa? It would make interesting reading for my children and give them an idea as to how life was for us when we first arrived, with hardly a penny to our name. So, I began with short stories first. Describing events which I remembered as humorous or other ways. But then, my story seemed to take on a life of its own, and I wrote and wrote, until it was my story “Memoirs of a Refugee”. When I showed it to Richard my son, I wasn’t expecting his reaction. He was enthusiastic and encouraged me to have it published. I was shocked. Nothing could have been further from my mind. Me publish a book? Who would be interested in my little story? But I took my son’s advice, took courage in both hands and submitted my manuscript. Thank you, Europe Books.
- What would you like to hear from your readers?
Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to hear my readers say they loved and enjoyed my story, because they recognised within its pages to some degree at least, their own experiences in life. Such as for example, joy, pain, happiness, sadness. So, when they tell me my story uplifted their day, I would be happy indeed. It’s a simple tale. Told from the heart. An easy read, but one which most of us can identify with. For in the pages of Memoirs of a Refugee, the indomitable human spirit shines forth. If my book is able to offer some hours of enjoyment and upliftment, I would be happy. We overcome obstacles in life on a daily basis, but perhaps to read of someone doing just that, fills us with a sense of identifying with the story before us. So, I hope comments from my readers will be many and of a positive nature.
- How would you describe your writing style?
I am an avid reader since childhood, and one of my most favourite writers is Charles Dickens. Not that I would ever compare myself with someone of his calibre, but I think he wrote with passion and from personal experience and observation of humanity. I humbly put myself in the same category, in that I wrote my story from the heart with passion, and from personal experience. I don’t know if there is a specific style name for this type of writing. But, suffice it to say, I tried to keep the emotion of what I was writing about in the forefront of my words, but on an even keel. I have not had any form of professional training in authorship, or writing. In fact, I am struggling to even refer to myself as an author. But I hope to rise to the occasion.
- How did it feel to “read” your life on the pages of your book?
When I first read the words of acceptance of my manuscript, I cried and cried and cried. But the overwhelming feeling of joy, was quickly overtaken by “Oh my God”, now everybody will read about my life. What will they say? Will it be ridiculed? Will they like it? What were you thinking allowing these words to be published, were the thoughts tumbling through my head. In the circumstances, I think the word “brave “comes to mind, first and foremost. One has to be brave enough to stand up, warts-and-all, and say, “This is me”, even though the knees are knocking, and believe in oneself. I hope with practise it will become second nature this standing up and being counted, but for the moment it’s still new and as the saying goes, practice makes perfect. It’s a wonderful new feeling that at this time in my life, my voice is being heard.
- Are you working on a new writing project you can tell us about?
I do have a new writing project. It is about my flying days. If you have read Memoirs of a Refugee, you will know that I worked as an air hostess for 5 years. During this time, I travelled the world and enjoyed every moment. I have some great stories to tell some of which are funny, some are rather racy, and some are informative. Taking my age as a measure, my flying days were literally from the last century, so it will have a very different slant than what flying is today. I mean the first plane I worked in was the Bristol Britannia, just to give you an idea. This my second book is still at the beginning stage. It tells of the many escapades I experienced as a stewardess, on and off duty. Should be fun.
Europe Books thanks the author, Agi Takacs, once again for taking the time and answering our questions. We are really pleased to have walked alongside her on the editorial path that led to the publication of her book MEMOIRS OF A REFUGEE. We wish her the best of luck for her future works.
To you, my readers, may this book resonate with your life and the emotions it evokes in you. I also hope that this book offers you insights into pleasure and encouragement for your life as a whole!
So, my dear readers, all I have to say is to enjoy your reading!
Your Editor!