A count chooses love of a commoner over status. After a tragic death we learn of the transportation of a baby from her mother in Hungary to grandparents in Austria and a privileged life awaiting her. Years later, in 1907, Berta’s story starts shortly before her journey back to Hungary.
In 1929 we first meet Marika, a young child aged five, living on the family farm in Hungary. Her capers at school and exploits with friends and family draw us into her life there. Later, in her teenage years, we see sorrow strike with the tragic death of her mother. The narrative turns to wartime and a harrowing flight through occupied Hungary into Austria.
This story is an ever-evolving painting of life, through hardship and uncertainty to romance and hope. After marriage there follows a journey to England. But will Marika finally find peace and a new home?
Vivien Varga has worked as an English and Drama teacher in Warwickshire and the West Midlands and lived for several years in Italy teaching English as a Foreign Language. She now spends her time writing and travelling. She has published three novels: Marika, inspired by her mother’s stories of her childhood and wartime experiences, A Perfect Ending and Other Stories, a book of fast-moving tales on diverse themes, and Rescuing Ava, a psychological thriller. She is based in Leamington Spa.