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Rakiya: Stories of Bulgaria
A mother pickpocketing tourists in order to support her daughter. An elderly war veteran ashamed of his actions during the Holocaust. Two brothers hunting a killer bear. A Syrian refugee working in a Sofia bakery. A femme fatale disappearing at an international writers’ conference. And two neighbors competing to see who makes the best alcoholic drink.
This collection of heartwarming and culturally illuminating stories introduces readers to Bulgaria—its majestic mountains; picturesque villages; and rich history and traditions—and leaves them wanting more.
This collection of heartwarming and culturally illuminating stories introduces readers to Bulgaria—its majestic mountains; picturesque villages; and rich history and traditions—and leaves them wanting more.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2024
3 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Ellis Shuman
5 books224 followersEllis Shuman is an American-born Israeli author, travel writer, and book reviewer. His writing has appeared in The Jerusalem Post, The Times of Israel, 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. He is the author of The Virtual Kibbutz, Valley of Thracians, The Burgas Affair, and Rakiya – Stories of Bulgaria.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 9, 2024
(Rakiya also known as “fruit spirits.”)
To feel “Rakiya” is to experience the people of Bulgaria. And, in each story the author wants us to do exactly that. Readers will meet various characters throughout in grasping an understanding of the tastes and experiences of what it is like to live within Bulgaria – the underbelly, the richness, the poor, the sad, the grief, the hope, the desires, and so forth.
Each character feels rich and believable and easily comes alive on the page and provides a piece of themselves for readers to appreciate through the author’s writing.
The only story out of character, as the author explains in his acknowledgements, is “Forgiveness” which is rich in history and almost as long as a novelette. To tell more would give away spoilers. It is best for readers to experience the expressiveness of its story to understand the point of why the author felt the importance of including it within these pages.
In giving us a taste of Bulgaria, the author is informative, interesting, and well-organized. He provides honest insight and transports readers easily to the country.
I recommend reading this book to fully appreciate what I am sharing here.
I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review.
To feel “Rakiya” is to experience the people of Bulgaria. And, in each story the author wants us to do exactly that. Readers will meet various characters throughout in grasping an understanding of the tastes and experiences of what it is like to live within Bulgaria – the underbelly, the richness, the poor, the sad, the grief, the hope, the desires, and so forth.
Each character feels rich and believable and easily comes alive on the page and provides a piece of themselves for readers to appreciate through the author’s writing.
The only story out of character, as the author explains in his acknowledgements, is “Forgiveness” which is rich in history and almost as long as a novelette. To tell more would give away spoilers. It is best for readers to experience the expressiveness of its story to understand the point of why the author felt the importance of including it within these pages.
In giving us a taste of Bulgaria, the author is informative, interesting, and well-organized. He provides honest insight and transports readers easily to the country.
I recommend reading this book to fully appreciate what I am sharing here.
I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review.
August 18, 2024
Rakiya: Stories of Bulgaria by Ellis Shuman
4/5 stars
Before I started reading this novel I almost knew nothing about Bulgaria. Apart from its location on the world map. And this book really gave me a great insight into the Bulgarian culture and their past.
This book deals with pain, guilt, compassion, forgiveness, friendship, eeriness, fear and connection. Each chapter added something to the overall storyline of the book. I love how the stories are interconnected and that we see characters pop up in several chapters.
The first chapter that got me thinking was the one about the mother and daughter. Lyuba's daughter has a speech impediment and she is not going to school. Lyuba provides for her daughter and herself through pickpocketing tourists. I loved the small insights the bakery gave. And that ending really got me thinking! I really want to know what happens next. But because I don't want to spoil anything I'll keep my mouth shut.
The Volcano was a chapter that had me screaming at the main character and his apparent stupidity. I don't get why he travelled in the first place and even before the plot twist came I knew what would happen and I was like why??
This is really a story of deciding what is most important in your life? And not like a simple good or wrong. Every thought, every action has a complex reaction to the situation that is presented in this story. But I just couldn't fathom his reasoning at all.
The Cave was an eerie and creepy story. It's about a tour guide who is about to give a tour in the Devil's Throat Cave. And when he enters he almost gets into an argument with one of the clients about the past of Orpheus and the legend tied to the cave and Bulgaria. I love how this chapter builds and builds. The ending really caught me by surprise and I loved that so much.
And after reading the beautiful descriptions of the cave I instantly went googling after this chapter and now I really want to visit the cave myself as well!
I also loved The Bear. I loved how this story creeps along! I did see the ending coming. But I still loved the build up to the ending.
Forgiveness is the longest and by far the most powerful chapter in this book. It's a chapter about world war 2 and two friends who are on opposite sides of the war. I didn't know anything about the Bulgarian history of the war. And I kept rereading bits just to be able to absorb all the details. There is so much pain and longing woven throughout this story. It was gruesome and horrible. It's a chapter about human reaction and how you react to difficult situations. Fight, fly or freeze. The ending was so powerful. And I related and connected so much with the granddaughter.
This story was really a 6/5 star story for me!
The other stories were also fun and enjoyable. But the ones I mentioned I found the most power- and impactful.
If you want to get an insight into Bulgarian history and culture then definitely pick this beauty up. I love everything that I learned from it and it really made me want to visit this beautiful country myself.
4 big stars from me for this short story collection.
4/5 stars
Before I started reading this novel I almost knew nothing about Bulgaria. Apart from its location on the world map. And this book really gave me a great insight into the Bulgarian culture and their past.
This book deals with pain, guilt, compassion, forgiveness, friendship, eeriness, fear and connection. Each chapter added something to the overall storyline of the book. I love how the stories are interconnected and that we see characters pop up in several chapters.
The first chapter that got me thinking was the one about the mother and daughter. Lyuba's daughter has a speech impediment and she is not going to school. Lyuba provides for her daughter and herself through pickpocketing tourists. I loved the small insights the bakery gave. And that ending really got me thinking! I really want to know what happens next. But because I don't want to spoil anything I'll keep my mouth shut.
The Volcano was a chapter that had me screaming at the main character and his apparent stupidity. I don't get why he travelled in the first place and even before the plot twist came I knew what would happen and I was like why??
This is really a story of deciding what is most important in your life? And not like a simple good or wrong. Every thought, every action has a complex reaction to the situation that is presented in this story. But I just couldn't fathom his reasoning at all.
The Cave was an eerie and creepy story. It's about a tour guide who is about to give a tour in the Devil's Throat Cave. And when he enters he almost gets into an argument with one of the clients about the past of Orpheus and the legend tied to the cave and Bulgaria. I love how this chapter builds and builds. The ending really caught me by surprise and I loved that so much.
And after reading the beautiful descriptions of the cave I instantly went googling after this chapter and now I really want to visit the cave myself as well!
I also loved The Bear. I loved how this story creeps along! I did see the ending coming. But I still loved the build up to the ending.
Forgiveness is the longest and by far the most powerful chapter in this book. It's a chapter about world war 2 and two friends who are on opposite sides of the war. I didn't know anything about the Bulgarian history of the war. And I kept rereading bits just to be able to absorb all the details. There is so much pain and longing woven throughout this story. It was gruesome and horrible. It's a chapter about human reaction and how you react to difficult situations. Fight, fly or freeze. The ending was so powerful. And I related and connected so much with the granddaughter.
This story was really a 6/5 star story for me!
The other stories were also fun and enjoyable. But the ones I mentioned I found the most power- and impactful.
If you want to get an insight into Bulgarian history and culture then definitely pick this beauty up. I love everything that I learned from it and it really made me want to visit this beautiful country myself.
4 big stars from me for this short story collection.
June 19, 2024
This collection of short stories about Bulgaria was very interesting, and I recommend reading the acknowledgements as it includes distinctions between historical facts and fiction.
A few of the tales showed the same characters crossing paths with each other, and it was neat to switch POVs and explore their lives in more detail in other stories. The tone of the stories varied, keeping me engaged to read more than one at a time.
“The Volcano” and “The Cave” were haunting tales, full of tension and eeriness, and the ending of “The Bear” was unexpected.
“Forgiveness” was a very emotional, complex, and tragic story about two childhood friends that ended up on opposite sides during WWII. It was thought-provoking and heartbreaking, and honored lives lost by sharing lesser-known history. After such a heavy piece, I was grateful to read the final tale, which was lighter and tied multiple characters together from previous stories, giving me a sense of resolution.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and interesting collection.
ARC provided by the author. Opinions are my own.
A few of the tales showed the same characters crossing paths with each other, and it was neat to switch POVs and explore their lives in more detail in other stories. The tone of the stories varied, keeping me engaged to read more than one at a time.
“The Volcano” and “The Cave” were haunting tales, full of tension and eeriness, and the ending of “The Bear” was unexpected.
“Forgiveness” was a very emotional, complex, and tragic story about two childhood friends that ended up on opposite sides during WWII. It was thought-provoking and heartbreaking, and honored lives lost by sharing lesser-known history. After such a heavy piece, I was grateful to read the final tale, which was lighter and tied multiple characters together from previous stories, giving me a sense of resolution.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and interesting collection.
ARC provided by the author. Opinions are my own.
August 10, 2024
I have never visited Bulgaria and I was intrigued when I read another review for this collection by the promise of great characters, historical elements and wonderful writing.
My expectations were met as I read the stories covering not just the history and culture of Bulgaria and its countrymen and women, but how strong and resilient they have had to be across their long and sometimes turbulent history.
Some stories hold echoes of tales told within our own cultures, such as age old rivalries over whose alcoholic creations are the best, where legendary gods actually originated, and the determination required to overcome obstacles thrown in our paths such as by inconvenient volcano eruptions.
Others demonstrate the acceptance of the Bulgarian people to welcome those from different cultures and absorb them into their society and the beauty of the landscape is not neglected.
There are some endings which might not be as clearcut as you would like but life is like that. We don’t always get closure but despite that the journey taken is still to be appreciated.
I think the two stories I would select as very special are Three Women in Sofia and the longer story Forgiveness which brings together an old man and his past with a young man and his previously unknown family history. The final story of the book is a delightful end to the collection and brings together some threads from the other tales.
I enjoyed my introduction to Bulgaria and can highly recommend this wonderfully crafted set of stories.
My expectations were met as I read the stories covering not just the history and culture of Bulgaria and its countrymen and women, but how strong and resilient they have had to be across their long and sometimes turbulent history.
Some stories hold echoes of tales told within our own cultures, such as age old rivalries over whose alcoholic creations are the best, where legendary gods actually originated, and the determination required to overcome obstacles thrown in our paths such as by inconvenient volcano eruptions.
Others demonstrate the acceptance of the Bulgarian people to welcome those from different cultures and absorb them into their society and the beauty of the landscape is not neglected.
There are some endings which might not be as clearcut as you would like but life is like that. We don’t always get closure but despite that the journey taken is still to be appreciated.
I think the two stories I would select as very special are Three Women in Sofia and the longer story Forgiveness which brings together an old man and his past with a young man and his previously unknown family history. The final story of the book is a delightful end to the collection and brings together some threads from the other tales.
I enjoyed my introduction to Bulgaria and can highly recommend this wonderfully crafted set of stories.
October 7, 2024
Author kindly is sending me a paper copy but unfortunately I've been called away from home so can't read it immediately. I do very much look forward to it though!
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Finally got home and promptly read it. Excellent. Some stories are funny, but even those are touched with poignancy. Some are heartbreaking. All are enlightening, fascinating, well worth reading. I do highly recommend this book and just wish I'd been able to do so when it was first released.
Of course it's not too late. Go get it now!
I appreciate that many of the stories are interlinked, referencing towns, events, and even characters from others. But even with those additional clues I'm not sure I understood the author's intent in all the stories.
For example, I wonder about the Roma mother, and whether she'll actually ever get around to helping her daughter to find a way to a better life. The ending seems intentionally ambiguous....
The story about brothers definitely made an impact on me. The ending, gosh. But before that, I loved this bit: "I lived in his shadow for years, never meeting his expectations. Anton always looked down at me, I thought. This bothered me greatly, more now than before." What an intelligent, and valuable, insight, that children can overlook slights & other hardships, but adults can remember them with pain. Think about that.
A character says: "Today, antisemitism is virtually absent in the country, and most Bulgarians have a very favorable opinion of Israel." I wonder if that's still true, as the far-right takes over many European offices, and as the war expands past Gaza on its first anniversary.
I hope to share this marvelous book with some of the members of my irl book club.
---
Finally got home and promptly read it. Excellent. Some stories are funny, but even those are touched with poignancy. Some are heartbreaking. All are enlightening, fascinating, well worth reading. I do highly recommend this book and just wish I'd been able to do so when it was first released.
Of course it's not too late. Go get it now!
I appreciate that many of the stories are interlinked, referencing towns, events, and even characters from others. But even with those additional clues I'm not sure I understood the author's intent in all the stories.
For example, I wonder about the Roma mother, and whether she'll actually ever get around to helping her daughter to find a way to a better life. The ending seems intentionally ambiguous....
The story about brothers definitely made an impact on me. The ending, gosh. But before that, I loved this bit: "I lived in his shadow for years, never meeting his expectations. Anton always looked down at me, I thought. This bothered me greatly, more now than before." What an intelligent, and valuable, insight, that children can overlook slights & other hardships, but adults can remember them with pain. Think about that.
A character says: "Today, antisemitism is virtually absent in the country, and most Bulgarians have a very favorable opinion of Israel." I wonder if that's still true, as the far-right takes over many European offices, and as the war expands past Gaza on its first anniversary.
I hope to share this marvelous book with some of the members of my irl book club.
August 14, 2024
Rakiya
Bringing the many different worlds of the county Bulgaria is the insightful, creative and authentic approach of author Ellis Shuman. Each entry allows readers to experience different cultures and traditions within this country plus the many people some honest, some underhanded, others wondering why they’d ever leave, Sofia and its charm plus many different places as simple as a square, complex as a cave and a bakery plus much more. The landscapes, the traditions , transport you through the main characters of each story directly into the background and makes you feel that you are experiencing the same events.
Each story focuses on the character and his or her reasons for moving to Bulgaria, the jobs; the people and some endings will seem to create closer unions but when you read The Bear the lad line you decide the true fate of the two brothers that never shared times as friends as children and hunting a deadly bear was to be the start or was it?
The first story Rakiya is my favorite as friends enter a contest for the best Rakiya but not before the author introduces us to the contestants two Vasil and Bordan once friends as children until Vasil’s father said Bogdan stole grapes to use for his Rakiya. His father’s warning rang true until this year’s contest the three judges who Vasil thought honest to a point but Bogdan always wins. The judges give third prize, and you won’t believe the upset and change at the end. Who gets first? What might change the past? Read this story and decide.
Mother and daughter are sad as these two resort to stealing or pickpocketing to have food. Mother does not care for her child in cleanliness or any type of learning. The poor child is forced to do things most would not. There is one man who gives them food and why does she feel she’s Bulgarian? But the mother, Luna scores high on the last hit on a well-dressed man. What she gets and how that might change things you decide. Is she right to keep it or is it lucky she can finally stop? You decide if it’s right. The Cave is dramatic and had a touch of paranormal and ethereal as a group of 7 join the tout guide for an educational and yet frightening experience in this cave. A young tour guide leads the group but oddly enough he’s Chaplin one of the tourists focuses on his description of the cave the history of Oedipus and the many legends. The folklore and history of the cave is paramount and at the end you the reader decide was this man really there.
A young man divides his time between two locations in order to work his start up business with his partner. But back home in Tel Aviv his wife is about to have their first child . But a news bulletin changed it all as each time she calls and is upset he learns a volcano erupted and the airlines are not flying. Just what he does and to what lengths you won’t believe his ingenuity. Bulgaria is where the second office is and Tel Aviv the first. The people, the language and his monetary reasons are not really making any points with his wife. What happens at the end when the author creates a surprise will definitely make you wonder and smile. The Bakery brings back the mother and daughter and the two brothers working side by side making Pita bread. Wish they were here. Two emigrant brothers wanting a better life and realize their goals and differences working in Sofia which seems to be at the heart of these stories, and one brother’s goal to leave, emigrate and start over. As the story moves ahead a man comes in asking for an order for 150 which brings on a talk about Israel and can they trust him. Then an ending bringing back the mother and her sick daughter changing more than her respect for this brother. Read how!
The atrocities that Jewish people endured when and before the war broke out at the part played by Bulgarians and those that demanded they wind up in labor camps are just part of what makes the story Forgiveness heartbreaking and sad. A simple email sent by Anna trying to locate Avraham for her grandfather Aleksander. Finding the grandson in Israel and hoping he’ll come to her farmhouse to meet her grandfather and something he wanted him to have. Hoping he’ll come to Bulgaria as the granddaughter reads letter from her grandfather and what he endured in the different labor camps, the mistreatment of Jews of all ages, the deportations the deaths and the cries of fear and despair on the train that would take most to their death. The letters hit the heart of this young man but the final one written to his grandfather from hers is heartbreaking, draws anger and the admissions of cruelty he inflicted and did nothing to protect the prisoners nor care that disease broke out due to poor and unsanitary conditions brings out many emotions. Communist Bulgaria was the only county during war that the communists occupied. No Jews exterminated but forced to labor camps. Her grandfather wrote the letter over time and talked openly about his wartime experiences and the meaning of forgiveness. Then Hitler is dead, and Bulgaria declared war on Germany, but the detainees suffered and freedom never came. The letter tells of the horrors, and he confesses his part as he patrolled the perimeter and with barbed wire . Guns sentries and stating his shameful role but the deeds were done. Then the horrific final admission would you forgive him? Read what his grandson learns and a fire that took someone dear away as her grandfather saw his friend and did nothing to save Ester. The last two pages of this story will leave you wondering as truths come out and horrific deeds that cannot be done. You the reader think hard and long could you forgive her grandfather?
Heartfelt stories this one historian fiction based on real life events bright tears to my eyes as I relived the horrors with the detainees as told to me by my grandmother before she died. She lived it! Thank you to the author for including this story: Never Forget!
Fran Lewis just reviews
February 1, 2025
3.5 stars
Rakiya: Stories of Bulgaria by Ellis Shuman is an anthology of short stories about...you guessed it - Bulgaria.
First, let me thank the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis and Opinions:
As with any anthology, I will review each short story on it's own.
Rakiya... The spring competition of who makes the best Rakiya - an alcoholic beverage. This was okay, a story of friendship. 3 stars
Mother and Daughter... A Roma lives with her daughter above a bakery. They live off anything they are given, or can steal. The mother believes she is doing everything for her daughter. This was just sad. 2 stars
The Volcano... A man is away on business when his wife goes into labour. An erupting volcano threatens his ability to get home. I did not like the husband at all, and therefore, the whole story felt wrong. 2 stars
The Cave... A guide giving a tour of an ancient cave is confronted with an obnoxious tourist. Interesting. 3 stars
Sozopol... A writers conference turns deadly. Really good twist. 4 stars
Musala... A Bulgarian shows off Mt Musala to an American friend. Interesting. 3 stars
The Baker... The Syrian brothers who run the bakery, have re-created themselves in Bulgaria and try to adjust to very different ways. Interesting, and it also has characters from an earlier short story. 3 stars
Three Women in Sofia... An American decides to attend classes in Bulgaria, and meets three women who taught him more than he could have expected. Really quite good. 4 stars
The Bear... Two brothers unite over a bear attack in a small village.Feel-good story. 4 stars
Lockdown... Two young girls are charged with a crime when entering Bulgaria during lockdown. This was a really good story. 5 stars
Forgiveness... A very sad story of WWII, and it's effects on Bulgaria. Not much to say. 4 stars
The Train Stops in Plovdiv... Another story that includes characters from others in this collection. 3 stars
Overall, these stories are of a country of which I knew very little (as mentioned by the author), and he has, indeed, broadened my knowledge. The countryside sounds wonderful, and the people diverse. The author has incorporated attributes of human nature into these stories that are not necessarily unique to Bulgarians, but in a setting that is. He writes very well, and the stories are entertaining, if often sad.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
June 13, 2024
Rakiya: Stories of Bulgaria is a short story collection comprised of eleven short stories designed to introduce the reader not only to a set of interesting characters, but also to the culture, politics and history of Bulgaria. Set against the backdrop of the city, the mountains and caves of significant historical value, Rakiya explores a variety of different stories that in certain aspects, every reader can relate to. For me, the highlight of this collection is how Shuman intertwines multiple stories, either through characters, or through the historical/geographical locations explored. This added a layer of continuity and connection to the collection.
I don’t usually read short stories, as I can find them quite disjointed. However, Rakiya’s eleven stories each are designed to make the reader feel something different and are varied and interesting in their own manner. With stories such as “Forgiveness” we are introduced to an elderly man whose last hope is for atonement after his involvement in the Holocaust and the impact on his friendship with our other characters grandfather. Covering themes such as guilt, reflection, and to what extent we can forgive, this story delves into how the past can never truly remain the past and the long-term effects of historical atrocities such as the Holocaust.
In “Rakiya” the first story, we meet a man who is determined to win the Rakiya competition for his homemade drink, to finally beat out the man he used to call his friend. Through this story we see how easily our opinions can be swayed by others, how competition should never cause the sacrifice of friendship and the importance of equal standing in relationships.
The wide variety of the stories, yet their ability to connect the stories to each other demonstrates how masterfully each story is woven. The vivid imagery and ability of the author to evoke such powerful emotions through his writing demonstrates his craftsmanship. If you are interested in exploring new cultures through literature, this is definitely a collection for you!
I don’t usually read short stories, as I can find them quite disjointed. However, Rakiya’s eleven stories each are designed to make the reader feel something different and are varied and interesting in their own manner. With stories such as “Forgiveness” we are introduced to an elderly man whose last hope is for atonement after his involvement in the Holocaust and the impact on his friendship with our other characters grandfather. Covering themes such as guilt, reflection, and to what extent we can forgive, this story delves into how the past can never truly remain the past and the long-term effects of historical atrocities such as the Holocaust.
In “Rakiya” the first story, we meet a man who is determined to win the Rakiya competition for his homemade drink, to finally beat out the man he used to call his friend. Through this story we see how easily our opinions can be swayed by others, how competition should never cause the sacrifice of friendship and the importance of equal standing in relationships.
The wide variety of the stories, yet their ability to connect the stories to each other demonstrates how masterfully each story is woven. The vivid imagery and ability of the author to evoke such powerful emotions through his writing demonstrates his craftsmanship. If you are interested in exploring new cultures through literature, this is definitely a collection for you!
October 8, 2024
As someone without prior knowledge of Bulgaria, reading “Rakiya: Stories of Bulgaria” by Ellis Shuman was an insightful experience.
Rakiya, an eponymous chapter, is the first story in this collection of twelve short stories. It begins with an intensity that drives home the importance of Rakiya, especially when homemade, in Bulgarian culture. Unsurprisingly, Rakiya, the alcoholic drink, features throughout the book and is often lauded for its powerful taste and ability to enrich festive celebrations. However, the book delves into many other aspects of Bulgaria’s rich culture beyond the love for Rakiya. These aspects encompass its architecture, tourist attractions, favorable climate for startups, perseverance, hospitality, dark Second World War history, etc.
The first story explains how Rakiya is made while highlighting the importance of communication in preserving and restoring relationships. The second story, “Mother and Daughter,” as well as “The Volcano,” “Sozopol,” and “Forgiveness,” the third, fifth, and eleventh stories, call for introspection. These stories, in particular, present flawed characters doing their best to survive, provide for their loved ones, and acknowledge their mistakes. While it is easy to condemn certain actions they take in this bid to survive, such as pickpocketing, cowardice, and poor judgment, it is undeniable that there is a need for readers to consider what they would do if they were in the exact shoes of these characters during the temporal setting of each story.
Initially, the stories seem to end with the conclusion of each chapter, which can be rather abrupt, leaving the gap of ”What next?”. As the book progresses, however, the interconnectivity of each story unfolds beautifully and surprisingly. It is a pleasant surprise when a character who had a brief and mysterious appearance reappears in another story, shedding more light on his/her role in the earlier story, such as in “The Baker” (the seventh story). The baker helps the mother and her daughter in the second story, but readers only come to understand his character in this seventh story. He is Syrian, but due to the raging war between his country and Israel, he finds himself sheltering in Bulgaria with his family. During this seventh story, he has a brief encounter with an Israeli customer, whose perspective on this encounter isn’t revealed until the twelfth story.
The book’s physical setting revolves around Bulgaria, allowing readers to explore its capital, Sofia, as well as a few other locations like Sozopol, the Rhodope Mountains, and Varna while offering insight into Israeli and Syrian culture through dialogue and reflections from characters.
Indeed, the prose is detailed in drawing to the fore the richness of Bulgaria’s culture through vivid descriptions, such as:
“The squarish structure sat on a foundation of black-and-white striped arches; five golden domes above sparkled in the sunlight. The church’s remarkable architectural style, ornamental in nature, seemed to date not only to another century, but to another mindset as well. I stood in silent reverence, as awestruck as the devout pilgrims. Serenity. Tranquility. Holiness. I wasn’t a religious person, but here I felt something very spiritual.” (Pages 126-127).
“As you may know, in Bulgaria, our religion is Eastern Orthodox Christianity. The monastery is what kept the Bulgarian spirit alive through the centuries of Ottoman rule. During our oppression, the monks safeguarded our language, our culture, our history, even our alphabet. We may not be a religious country today, but Bulgarians regard the Rila Monastery as our most sacred site.” (Page 127).
“Rakiya: Stories of Bulgaria” by Ellis Shuman is an insightful, culturally rich blend of short stories, ranging from humorous to creepy to somber. If you enjoy learning about cultures and history and prefer a diverse mix of characters, then “Rakiya” is definitely worth the read. I particularly enjoyed “Sozopol” because I was pleasantly surprised by its conclusion.
Rakiya, an eponymous chapter, is the first story in this collection of twelve short stories. It begins with an intensity that drives home the importance of Rakiya, especially when homemade, in Bulgarian culture. Unsurprisingly, Rakiya, the alcoholic drink, features throughout the book and is often lauded for its powerful taste and ability to enrich festive celebrations. However, the book delves into many other aspects of Bulgaria’s rich culture beyond the love for Rakiya. These aspects encompass its architecture, tourist attractions, favorable climate for startups, perseverance, hospitality, dark Second World War history, etc.
The first story explains how Rakiya is made while highlighting the importance of communication in preserving and restoring relationships. The second story, “Mother and Daughter,” as well as “The Volcano,” “Sozopol,” and “Forgiveness,” the third, fifth, and eleventh stories, call for introspection. These stories, in particular, present flawed characters doing their best to survive, provide for their loved ones, and acknowledge their mistakes. While it is easy to condemn certain actions they take in this bid to survive, such as pickpocketing, cowardice, and poor judgment, it is undeniable that there is a need for readers to consider what they would do if they were in the exact shoes of these characters during the temporal setting of each story.
Initially, the stories seem to end with the conclusion of each chapter, which can be rather abrupt, leaving the gap of ”What next?”. As the book progresses, however, the interconnectivity of each story unfolds beautifully and surprisingly. It is a pleasant surprise when a character who had a brief and mysterious appearance reappears in another story, shedding more light on his/her role in the earlier story, such as in “The Baker” (the seventh story). The baker helps the mother and her daughter in the second story, but readers only come to understand his character in this seventh story. He is Syrian, but due to the raging war between his country and Israel, he finds himself sheltering in Bulgaria with his family. During this seventh story, he has a brief encounter with an Israeli customer, whose perspective on this encounter isn’t revealed until the twelfth story.
The book’s physical setting revolves around Bulgaria, allowing readers to explore its capital, Sofia, as well as a few other locations like Sozopol, the Rhodope Mountains, and Varna while offering insight into Israeli and Syrian culture through dialogue and reflections from characters.
Indeed, the prose is detailed in drawing to the fore the richness of Bulgaria’s culture through vivid descriptions, such as:
“The squarish structure sat on a foundation of black-and-white striped arches; five golden domes above sparkled in the sunlight. The church’s remarkable architectural style, ornamental in nature, seemed to date not only to another century, but to another mindset as well. I stood in silent reverence, as awestruck as the devout pilgrims. Serenity. Tranquility. Holiness. I wasn’t a religious person, but here I felt something very spiritual.” (Pages 126-127).
“As you may know, in Bulgaria, our religion is Eastern Orthodox Christianity. The monastery is what kept the Bulgarian spirit alive through the centuries of Ottoman rule. During our oppression, the monks safeguarded our language, our culture, our history, even our alphabet. We may not be a religious country today, but Bulgarians regard the Rila Monastery as our most sacred site.” (Page 127).
“Rakiya: Stories of Bulgaria” by Ellis Shuman is an insightful, culturally rich blend of short stories, ranging from humorous to creepy to somber. If you enjoy learning about cultures and history and prefer a diverse mix of characters, then “Rakiya” is definitely worth the read. I particularly enjoyed “Sozopol” because I was pleasantly surprised by its conclusion.
July 23, 2024
In Bulgaria, when you nod your head, it indicates a negative response and When you shake your head, left to right, it means you’re replying with a ‘yes’.
And an ‘Yes’ it is indeed! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was sad to see it end. I wish Ellis could continue his beautiful storytelling.
They say books help you travel the world from the comforts of your home and with Rakiya: Stories of Bulgaria this saying is totally achievable.
Rakiya is a collection of 12 stories set in Bulgaria. Each story takes readers on a journey through the country’s history, politics, culture, traditions, architecture, landscapes, cuisine, and the citizens of Bulgaria. Some stories were narratives from the locals of Bulgaria, while others were experiences shared by visitor who had visited Bulgaria to either study, work, or to enjoy a vacation. Each story was well-researched, and the characters were engaging.
Initially, when I started reading this book, I felt some stories ended abruptly. However, as the chapters progressed, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the author interconnected each story and its characters, ultimately leaving me oohing and aahing throughout the book. Due to this interconnection, choosing my favorites wasn’t possible, as each story was special in itself.
The little history lesson on the holocaust period in Bulgaria against the Jews were both beautiful and touching. The story “Forgiveness”does serve as a grand tribute to the 11,343 Jews of Thrace and Macedonia who were murdered during Holocaust.
I highly recommend this book if you are looking to travel around Bulgaria from the comforts of your home.
And an ‘Yes’ it is indeed! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was sad to see it end. I wish Ellis could continue his beautiful storytelling.
They say books help you travel the world from the comforts of your home and with Rakiya: Stories of Bulgaria this saying is totally achievable.
Rakiya is a collection of 12 stories set in Bulgaria. Each story takes readers on a journey through the country’s history, politics, culture, traditions, architecture, landscapes, cuisine, and the citizens of Bulgaria. Some stories were narratives from the locals of Bulgaria, while others were experiences shared by visitor who had visited Bulgaria to either study, work, or to enjoy a vacation. Each story was well-researched, and the characters were engaging.
Initially, when I started reading this book, I felt some stories ended abruptly. However, as the chapters progressed, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the author interconnected each story and its characters, ultimately leaving me oohing and aahing throughout the book. Due to this interconnection, choosing my favorites wasn’t possible, as each story was special in itself.
The little history lesson on the holocaust period in Bulgaria against the Jews were both beautiful and touching. The story “Forgiveness”does serve as a grand tribute to the 11,343 Jews of Thrace and Macedonia who were murdered during Holocaust.
I highly recommend this book if you are looking to travel around Bulgaria from the comforts of your home.
September 9, 2024
I don't read many short stories, but I thoroughly enjoyed this collection. It really shows the different facets of life and environment in Bulgaria, a country I have to say I didn't know much about.
There are many different kinds of stories in the book so there is something for everyone. I particularly enjoyed Three Women in Sofia, The Cave, and Forgiveness - I challenge anyone not to be touched by the latter. It is a tribute to those who lost their lives in the Holocaust.
All of the stories give glimpses of life and culture in Bulgaria and contain well-developed characters even within the short word counts. The amount of connection and emotion that is packed in is a sure sign of the writing talent.
Something Ellis Shuman does very well is weave all the stories together so that the book feels like a cohesive thing. There are some character overlaps and Rakiya is a recurring theme (clearly very important to Bulgarians, and something they are proud of) but it's more than that - I could envision all the people living in the same vicinity and inhabiting the same places. Maybe passing each other in the street or on a hiking trail.
There are many different kinds of stories in the book so there is something for everyone. I particularly enjoyed Three Women in Sofia, The Cave, and Forgiveness - I challenge anyone not to be touched by the latter. It is a tribute to those who lost their lives in the Holocaust.
All of the stories give glimpses of life and culture in Bulgaria and contain well-developed characters even within the short word counts. The amount of connection and emotion that is packed in is a sure sign of the writing talent.
Something Ellis Shuman does very well is weave all the stories together so that the book feels like a cohesive thing. There are some character overlaps and Rakiya is a recurring theme (clearly very important to Bulgarians, and something they are proud of) but it's more than that - I could envision all the people living in the same vicinity and inhabiting the same places. Maybe passing each other in the street or on a hiking trail.
July 23, 2024
Elllis captures in this series of short stories the many facets of life in Bulgaria. His passion for the country is clear, precise and he structures the stories through relatable characters.
Excellent writing which reminded me of Ryszard Kapuściński
Well worth reading.
Excellent writing which reminded me of Ryszard Kapuściński
Well worth reading.
July 16, 2024
Rakiya: Stories of Bulgaria give us a glimpse into the history, culture, politics, people, and traditions of Bulgaria with the most extraordinary characters and settings. The stories touch on such a wide range of people, places and experiences from the estranged friends battling to prove their rakiya is the prize winner, to the mother and daughter fighting for survival on meagre scraps of food and thievery to reminders of the Holocaust and its continued effect on survivors. Shuman vividly portrays Bulgaria in all its richness and beauty, the gorgeous baked goods and winning drinks whilst also showing its flaws and hardships. Place becomes almost like another character. Wonderful stories. I really enjoyed how some characters were woven into other stories, too. #rakiya #ellisshuman #shortstories #bulgaria
August 19, 2024
There’s a literary account I follow on X in which the person is from Bulgaria. Her posts are mostly author-related; however, she occasionally writes about Bulgaria and other countries in which she spends time. Her travels are interesting, and her writings are beautifully intriguing. When I was presented with the opportunity to read this collection of short stories, Rakiya: Stories of Bulgaria, by Ellis Shuman, I had to say yes.
I had never heard of Rakiya before, but I became quickly acquainted with the knowledge that it’s a type of alcohol, or fruit spirits. Rakiya is consistently present in this short story collection. It is either the main focus of the story, as in the story titled, Rakiya, or briefly mentioned as a modest character. This book contains an impressive 12 short stories.
To be fair, I have yet to read a collection of stories in which I have loved every single story. Even collections written by some of my favorite, long-time authors. My most common critique is that a story was too short and left me wanting more. The story titled Volcano left me wanting more. The ending seemed abrupt, and I was left feeling confused. The remaining stories were excellent, each in their own way. Some stories had a moral lesson, as in Rakiya, The Bear addressed family relationships, and The Cave focused on the beauty of Bulgaria. My favorite story, Sozopol, is a suspenseful mystery set at a writer’s conference. I also loved Forgiveness, an emotional historical fiction that takes readers back to the Holocaust. The final story, The Train Stops in Plovdiv, concluded the collection beautifully.
I am grateful for the opportunity to read and review Rakiya. Shuman is a talented storyteller who eloquently brought Bulgaria and its characters to life. Many of these stories are emotional and heartfelt. I appreciate learning about this beautiful country and its history.
I have photos, videos, and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
A Book And A Dog
I had never heard of Rakiya before, but I became quickly acquainted with the knowledge that it’s a type of alcohol, or fruit spirits. Rakiya is consistently present in this short story collection. It is either the main focus of the story, as in the story titled, Rakiya, or briefly mentioned as a modest character. This book contains an impressive 12 short stories.
To be fair, I have yet to read a collection of stories in which I have loved every single story. Even collections written by some of my favorite, long-time authors. My most common critique is that a story was too short and left me wanting more. The story titled Volcano left me wanting more. The ending seemed abrupt, and I was left feeling confused. The remaining stories were excellent, each in their own way. Some stories had a moral lesson, as in Rakiya, The Bear addressed family relationships, and The Cave focused on the beauty of Bulgaria. My favorite story, Sozopol, is a suspenseful mystery set at a writer’s conference. I also loved Forgiveness, an emotional historical fiction that takes readers back to the Holocaust. The final story, The Train Stops in Plovdiv, concluded the collection beautifully.
I am grateful for the opportunity to read and review Rakiya. Shuman is a talented storyteller who eloquently brought Bulgaria and its characters to life. Many of these stories are emotional and heartfelt. I appreciate learning about this beautiful country and its history.
I have photos, videos, and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
A Book And A Dog
August 16, 2024
This was a fabulous collection of short stories which are set in Bulgaria.
If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:
https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...
If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:
https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...
October 7, 2024
Rakiya is a beautifully crafted collection of a dozen character-driven short stories that effortlessly immerse the reader into Bulgaria's cultural fabric, history, and traditions by subtly straddling the genres of travel memoir, mystery, and romance.
Shuman unfolds his absorbing little narratives in first and third-person perspectives, through the eyes and everyday experiences of seemingly ordinary Bulgarians and those visiting the country.
Connecting motifs and characters thread through most of Shuman’s twelve intriguing tales. Some references are so nuanced as almost to be missed, and some are sharply pointed in their association.
The book opens with the titular story, Rakiya, which is a fruit-based, highly alcoholic traditional Bulgarian drink. It is a strong opener, with a gently surprising conclusion that lends the piece the undeniable feel of a parable.
Immediately, Shuman’s prose impresses with innate confidence and polish. His writing has a timeless quality, which is elegant and sprinkled with precise yet subtle observations and thoughtful interpretations.
Mother and Daughter is achingly well-observed. Shuman places his characters before the reader without judgment or guidance, yet knowingly develops them and layers their stories to reveal unexpected motives and desires.
Volcano changes point of view and occasionally takes on a symbolic, hubristic quality. It’s the first story involving a non-Bulgarian, an Israeli businessman, a character who features in different guises in several of the shorts.
Cave was atmospherically good if a little tropey. Nonetheless, Shuman is clever to ensure each story offers another aspect of the country, figuratively or literally, and in the case of Cave, mythically.
Sozopol is one of the longer stories and Shuman packs it with ambiguous meanings and literary devices that toy with reader expectations and unsettle preconceptions, like a number of these stories do. Musala is a nice little slice of cultural folklore set against the dramatic backdrop of Bulgarian’s mountainous region.
The next two stories, The Baker, and Three Women in Sofia, are possibly the strongest. Wonderfully realized with characters that step from the page. The twist at the end of the latter story, deftly hiding in plain sight all along.
The Bear was different in tone, with a simmering aggression and frustration, which mirrored the brothers’ dynamic. Lockdown has a feeling of foreboding from the beginning, and so it proves.
A couple of the stories might have benefitted from more definitive endings but, nonetheless, Shuman has a knack for intriguing readers with what lies just outside the narrative frame.
Notwithstanding, Forgiveness is a powerful piece that delves into Bulgaria’s history and role during WWII, primarily toward Jewish Bulgarians, through an elderly Bulgarian man’s search for atonement from the grandson of the friend he wronged so terribly.
The final offering, The Train Stops in Plovdiv, was the perfect choice to conclude. An upbeat, jaunty little tale that neatly book-ends with the first story and is littered with a selection of individuals and narrative strands from the previous stories.
Rakiya: Stories of Bulgaria is an engrossingly good collection of stories that captivate and educate. Well worth a read.
Shuman unfolds his absorbing little narratives in first and third-person perspectives, through the eyes and everyday experiences of seemingly ordinary Bulgarians and those visiting the country.
Connecting motifs and characters thread through most of Shuman’s twelve intriguing tales. Some references are so nuanced as almost to be missed, and some are sharply pointed in their association.
The book opens with the titular story, Rakiya, which is a fruit-based, highly alcoholic traditional Bulgarian drink. It is a strong opener, with a gently surprising conclusion that lends the piece the undeniable feel of a parable.
Immediately, Shuman’s prose impresses with innate confidence and polish. His writing has a timeless quality, which is elegant and sprinkled with precise yet subtle observations and thoughtful interpretations.
Mother and Daughter is achingly well-observed. Shuman places his characters before the reader without judgment or guidance, yet knowingly develops them and layers their stories to reveal unexpected motives and desires.
Volcano changes point of view and occasionally takes on a symbolic, hubristic quality. It’s the first story involving a non-Bulgarian, an Israeli businessman, a character who features in different guises in several of the shorts.
Cave was atmospherically good if a little tropey. Nonetheless, Shuman is clever to ensure each story offers another aspect of the country, figuratively or literally, and in the case of Cave, mythically.
Sozopol is one of the longer stories and Shuman packs it with ambiguous meanings and literary devices that toy with reader expectations and unsettle preconceptions, like a number of these stories do. Musala is a nice little slice of cultural folklore set against the dramatic backdrop of Bulgarian’s mountainous region.
The next two stories, The Baker, and Three Women in Sofia, are possibly the strongest. Wonderfully realized with characters that step from the page. The twist at the end of the latter story, deftly hiding in plain sight all along.
The Bear was different in tone, with a simmering aggression and frustration, which mirrored the brothers’ dynamic. Lockdown has a feeling of foreboding from the beginning, and so it proves.
A couple of the stories might have benefitted from more definitive endings but, nonetheless, Shuman has a knack for intriguing readers with what lies just outside the narrative frame.
Notwithstanding, Forgiveness is a powerful piece that delves into Bulgaria’s history and role during WWII, primarily toward Jewish Bulgarians, through an elderly Bulgarian man’s search for atonement from the grandson of the friend he wronged so terribly.
The final offering, The Train Stops in Plovdiv, was the perfect choice to conclude. An upbeat, jaunty little tale that neatly book-ends with the first story and is littered with a selection of individuals and narrative strands from the previous stories.
Rakiya: Stories of Bulgaria is an engrossingly good collection of stories that captivate and educate. Well worth a read.
June 23, 2024
These short stories were a delight to read. Stories about everyday people and incidents in life and the rich culture of Bulgaria is woven in through all the stories, taking place in various locales in Bulgaria. I enjoyed every story. The author has an engaging writing style which takes us along story as though we are there watching and listening with his rich and descript settings and characters. Some stories are heartfelt, and others leave you thinking. But all of them bring in the human condition of people of circumstance. Some of my favorites:
The Cave – A young man leads a tour in an ancient cave and is challenged by one of the tourists about his knowledge of the folklore that went with the cave, to the point of becoming irritating. By the end of the tour, the irritating tourist disappeared into the ethers. Or did he?
Rakiya – is the first story in this charming book. Rakiya is a traditional alcoholic beverage in Bulgaria. In this story, two old villagers are getting all excited for the annual Rakiya contest – home made alcoholic Bulgarian beverage competition. Among the comraderie in this event, we learn about how far some will go to win. We will also find Rakiya in all of the stories which follow.
Sozopol – David is in Bulgaria for a writer’s conference and meets up with an elusive woman who envies his work. She follows him back to the hotel he’s staying at, and the last thing he can remember was sitting with the woman at the bar she waited for him at in his hotel. David blacked out from too much Rakiya and thought nothing else of the mystery, until the woman is found dead. And then suddenly, plot twist!
The Bakery – Two Syrian emigrated brothers run a bakery in Sofia, which becomes quite popular with the community of mixed cultures. We’ll learn about the brother’s plan to emigrate to Bulgaria to make a better life, and their ultimate plan to move on to Sweden.
Forgiveness – This was probably my favorite story. This story is based on historical fiction with much research that has gone into the story. The story begins with an email. Anna is trying to find Avraham for her grandfather Aleksandar. She finds his grandson in Israel and makes a request for him to come to Bulgaria because her grandfather has some letters to give him. Communistic Bulgaria was the only country in WWII that the Nazis occupied, and not one Jew was taken for extermination, despite them taken to labor camps. Aleksandar’s one letter in response to Avraham’s many through the years, gives us a detailed telling of what transpired in those war years in Bulgaria.These grandfathers were best friends from childhood who lost touch when war came. Their cultural and religious differences led them both to having two very different lives when war broke out, as Avraham was a Jew and Aleksandar was not.
Shuman’s stories about everyday people, precarious situations and well-rounded characters are sure to appeal to readers who enjoy learning culture of other countries, as well as those who enjoy reading stories with the spirit of human compassion.
The Cave – A young man leads a tour in an ancient cave and is challenged by one of the tourists about his knowledge of the folklore that went with the cave, to the point of becoming irritating. By the end of the tour, the irritating tourist disappeared into the ethers. Or did he?
Rakiya – is the first story in this charming book. Rakiya is a traditional alcoholic beverage in Bulgaria. In this story, two old villagers are getting all excited for the annual Rakiya contest – home made alcoholic Bulgarian beverage competition. Among the comraderie in this event, we learn about how far some will go to win. We will also find Rakiya in all of the stories which follow.
Sozopol – David is in Bulgaria for a writer’s conference and meets up with an elusive woman who envies his work. She follows him back to the hotel he’s staying at, and the last thing he can remember was sitting with the woman at the bar she waited for him at in his hotel. David blacked out from too much Rakiya and thought nothing else of the mystery, until the woman is found dead. And then suddenly, plot twist!
The Bakery – Two Syrian emigrated brothers run a bakery in Sofia, which becomes quite popular with the community of mixed cultures. We’ll learn about the brother’s plan to emigrate to Bulgaria to make a better life, and their ultimate plan to move on to Sweden.
Forgiveness – This was probably my favorite story. This story is based on historical fiction with much research that has gone into the story. The story begins with an email. Anna is trying to find Avraham for her grandfather Aleksandar. She finds his grandson in Israel and makes a request for him to come to Bulgaria because her grandfather has some letters to give him. Communistic Bulgaria was the only country in WWII that the Nazis occupied, and not one Jew was taken for extermination, despite them taken to labor camps. Aleksandar’s one letter in response to Avraham’s many through the years, gives us a detailed telling of what transpired in those war years in Bulgaria.These grandfathers were best friends from childhood who lost touch when war came. Their cultural and religious differences led them both to having two very different lives when war broke out, as Avraham was a Jew and Aleksandar was not.
Shuman’s stories about everyday people, precarious situations and well-rounded characters are sure to appeal to readers who enjoy learning culture of other countries, as well as those who enjoy reading stories with the spirit of human compassion.
May 30, 2024
Ellis Shuman's "Rakiya: Stories of Bulgaria" is a captivating and heartfelt collection of eleven short stories that introduces readers to a range of compelling characters and poignant scenarios that provide a deep and nuanced understanding of this fascinating country.
The stories in "Rakiya" are as varied as they are engrossing. Each tale is meticulously crafted and deeply affecting. Shuman's deft storytelling brings these characters to life, making their struggles, triumphs, and emotions profoundly relatable.
One standout feature of this collection is the seamless way Shuman intertwines the lives of his characters. As the book progresses, familiar faces reappear, and their stories intersect in unexpected and believable ways. This interconnectedness adds a layer of depth and realism to the narrative, making the fictional world feel both cohesive and dynamic.
Among the stories, "Forgiveness" stands out for its sensitive portrayal of an elderly man's quest for atonement for his involvement in the Holocaust. The narrative is both heartbreaking and uplifting, capturing the complexity of guilt, regret, and the human capacity for forgiveness. Another highlight, "The Train Stops in Plovdiv," offers a lighter, yet equally engaging, conclusion to the collection. Its charm and humor provide a perfect counterbalance to some of the more intense stories, leaving the reader with a sense of warmth and satisfaction.
Shuman's vivid descriptions of Bulgaria's beautiful landscapes and cultural traditions are a testament to his deep love and understanding of the country. Through his evocative prose, readers are transported to a land rich in beauty and history, gaining insights into the everyday lives and struggles of its people.
As someone who typically does not gravitate towards short stories, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed "Rakiya." The book not only provided a fascinating glimpse into Bulgarian culture but also elicited a wide range of emotions—from humor and anger to heartbreak and compassion. Shuman's ability to evoke such a spectrum of feelings speaks to his skill as a writer and his profound empathy for his characters.
In conclusion, "Rakiya: Stories of Bulgaria" is a masterful collection that will appeal to anyone interested in exploring new cultures through literature. Ellis Shuman's storytelling is both poignant and powerful, making this book a must-read. I was provided an advance copy of the book, but all opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
The stories in "Rakiya" are as varied as they are engrossing. Each tale is meticulously crafted and deeply affecting. Shuman's deft storytelling brings these characters to life, making their struggles, triumphs, and emotions profoundly relatable.
One standout feature of this collection is the seamless way Shuman intertwines the lives of his characters. As the book progresses, familiar faces reappear, and their stories intersect in unexpected and believable ways. This interconnectedness adds a layer of depth and realism to the narrative, making the fictional world feel both cohesive and dynamic.
Among the stories, "Forgiveness" stands out for its sensitive portrayal of an elderly man's quest for atonement for his involvement in the Holocaust. The narrative is both heartbreaking and uplifting, capturing the complexity of guilt, regret, and the human capacity for forgiveness. Another highlight, "The Train Stops in Plovdiv," offers a lighter, yet equally engaging, conclusion to the collection. Its charm and humor provide a perfect counterbalance to some of the more intense stories, leaving the reader with a sense of warmth and satisfaction.
Shuman's vivid descriptions of Bulgaria's beautiful landscapes and cultural traditions are a testament to his deep love and understanding of the country. Through his evocative prose, readers are transported to a land rich in beauty and history, gaining insights into the everyday lives and struggles of its people.
As someone who typically does not gravitate towards short stories, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed "Rakiya." The book not only provided a fascinating glimpse into Bulgarian culture but also elicited a wide range of emotions—from humor and anger to heartbreak and compassion. Shuman's ability to evoke such a spectrum of feelings speaks to his skill as a writer and his profound empathy for his characters.
In conclusion, "Rakiya: Stories of Bulgaria" is a masterful collection that will appeal to anyone interested in exploring new cultures through literature. Ellis Shuman's storytelling is both poignant and powerful, making this book a must-read. I was provided an advance copy of the book, but all opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
August 6, 2024
These stories are simply told but they are dense in the exploration of the society, the culture, and history of Bulgaria. And for that alone, they are well worth the read.
I enjoyed the author's style of writing, it's simplistic, almost occasionally bordering on telling the story, rather than showing what is happening, but somehow it works, especially with the use of the internal dialogue.
There is a backdrop of various settings, each given a good sense of place. The reader meets the same characters in various scenarios, sometimes as the the protagonist, occasionally as a minor character. The tales vary with the point of view: third person and first person. Each character, in their own way, through their actions and their dialogue are multi-layered.
Throughout there are themes of family, friendships, companionship, and love, but there are also themes of misunderstanding, of danger, of uncertainty.
In one of the stories, Three Women in Sofia, the cultures and outlooks of the American student and the three Bulgarian women both clash and meld on the page in the same curious way as they do in real life. There's a warmth in the reaction between them, a possibility of friendships, of love, but like most of the other stories, at the end, there is a feeling that, perhaps, one day, there will be more to tell.
This method of leaving the story open-ended is even more explicit in some of the other stories, and, although it led to suspensful denouement, I wasn't sure whether I found this totally satisfying. But that's probably just me as a reader, because, despite that, I felt I grew to know the characters, and I enjoyed learning about the culture, politics, traditions, and folklore of Bulgaria that the stories are set againgst.
And I have no hesitation in recommending this collection, especially for one of the stories, that I think will stay with me for quite a while: Forgiveness. Partly told in epistolary style of writing this long story is heartbreakingly and especially poignant.
All I can say, is try it.
I enjoyed the author's style of writing, it's simplistic, almost occasionally bordering on telling the story, rather than showing what is happening, but somehow it works, especially with the use of the internal dialogue.
There is a backdrop of various settings, each given a good sense of place. The reader meets the same characters in various scenarios, sometimes as the the protagonist, occasionally as a minor character. The tales vary with the point of view: third person and first person. Each character, in their own way, through their actions and their dialogue are multi-layered.
Throughout there are themes of family, friendships, companionship, and love, but there are also themes of misunderstanding, of danger, of uncertainty.
In one of the stories, Three Women in Sofia, the cultures and outlooks of the American student and the three Bulgarian women both clash and meld on the page in the same curious way as they do in real life. There's a warmth in the reaction between them, a possibility of friendships, of love, but like most of the other stories, at the end, there is a feeling that, perhaps, one day, there will be more to tell.
This method of leaving the story open-ended is even more explicit in some of the other stories, and, although it led to suspensful denouement, I wasn't sure whether I found this totally satisfying. But that's probably just me as a reader, because, despite that, I felt I grew to know the characters, and I enjoyed learning about the culture, politics, traditions, and folklore of Bulgaria that the stories are set againgst.
And I have no hesitation in recommending this collection, especially for one of the stories, that I think will stay with me for quite a while: Forgiveness. Partly told in epistolary style of writing this long story is heartbreakingly and especially poignant.
All I can say, is try it.
October 1, 2024
I adore short stories! And loved this book!
This collection of heartwarming and culturally illuminating stories introduces readers to Bulgaria its majestic mountains, picturesque villages, rich history, and traditions and leaves them wanting more. There are 12 short stories in this collection. My favourite short story was the first Rakiya, from page 1 to 10, The Baker, from page 79 to 88, and my most very favourite was the short story Forgiveness, from page 135 to 171, this was because I found the character the grandfather for the age of 95 a remarkable man.
A few lines from my favourite chapter RAKIYA.
Every spring, a competition is staged in the mountain village to determine the best homemade Rakiya in the region.
A few lines from my favourite chapter THE BAKER
Syrian Brothers was not the only bakery in Sofia that made pitas, but it’s loyal customers assured the bakers that theirs were the best in the city.
A few lines from my favourite chapter FORGIVENESS
“My grandfather is ninety-five-years old,” Anna reminded me as we drove south on the narrow highway. “ He’s half blind, walks with a cane, and doesn’t hear very well, but he still has his wits about him. He rises at the crack of dawn to milk his cow and tends his vegetable garden in the afternoons. And he eats a lot of yogurt,” she added with a laugh.
This collection of heartwarming and culturally illuminating stories introduces readers to Bulgaria its majestic mountains, picturesque villages, rich history, and traditions and leaves them wanting more. There are 12 short stories in this collection. My favourite short story was the first Rakiya, from page 1 to 10, The Baker, from page 79 to 88, and my most very favourite was the short story Forgiveness, from page 135 to 171, this was because I found the character the grandfather for the age of 95 a remarkable man.
A few lines from my favourite chapter RAKIYA.
Every spring, a competition is staged in the mountain village to determine the best homemade Rakiya in the region.
A few lines from my favourite chapter THE BAKER
Syrian Brothers was not the only bakery in Sofia that made pitas, but it’s loyal customers assured the bakers that theirs were the best in the city.
A few lines from my favourite chapter FORGIVENESS
“My grandfather is ninety-five-years old,” Anna reminded me as we drove south on the narrow highway. “ He’s half blind, walks with a cane, and doesn’t hear very well, but he still has his wits about him. He rises at the crack of dawn to milk his cow and tends his vegetable garden in the afternoons. And he eats a lot of yogurt,” she added with a laugh.
July 22, 2024
I’m a fan of travel memoirs. One of the reasons I like to read them is it gives me a chance to vicariously travel to places I haven’t had the chance to travel myself. While it is made clear in multiple places that the stories in this collection are fiction, with all of them taking place in Bulgaria, these stories made me feel like I’d been there with subtle things about the culture, topography, and history of the country finding their way into the story. A few of the stories featured someone traveling from nearby Israel (the country the American-born author of these currently lives in), making me think that the author’s experiences traveling in Bulgaria had probably at least helped form the big picture of some of these. They may be fiction, but still gave me a much better feel for Bulgaria from reading them and quite entertained as well.
If you’re wondering about the title, Rakiya, this is an alcoholic beverage popular in Bulgaria that appears in some of the stories like a beer or a bottle of wine might pop up in stories from other places.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
If you’re wondering about the title, Rakiya, this is an alcoholic beverage popular in Bulgaria that appears in some of the stories like a beer or a bottle of wine might pop up in stories from other places.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
June 19, 2024
An author’s trip to Bulgaria serves as inspiration for a collection of short stories highlighting the country’s history, culture, and beauty.
In Rakiya: Stories of Bulgaria, author Ellis Shuman creates twelve captivating tales featuring a variety of different characters. From a rakija-making competition that packs an important lesson about forgiveness to a trip during the pandemic lockdown, the stories showcase the unique aspects of the country.
The short stories provide a bite-sized approach for readers on the go who might only have time to read a shorter segment.
Of the selections, “Mother and Daughter” was my favorite. It tells the story of a mother who relies on pickpocketing and scraps to feed her young daughter. The mother claims she must teach lessons of life the hard way, which results in a fascinating twist.
Rakiya: Stories of Bulgaria takes readers on a trip highlighting the unique aspects of the country and its rich customs ingrained in tradition. ~ Amy for Novels Alive
In Rakiya: Stories of Bulgaria, author Ellis Shuman creates twelve captivating tales featuring a variety of different characters. From a rakija-making competition that packs an important lesson about forgiveness to a trip during the pandemic lockdown, the stories showcase the unique aspects of the country.
The short stories provide a bite-sized approach for readers on the go who might only have time to read a shorter segment.
Of the selections, “Mother and Daughter” was my favorite. It tells the story of a mother who relies on pickpocketing and scraps to feed her young daughter. The mother claims she must teach lessons of life the hard way, which results in a fascinating twist.
Rakiya: Stories of Bulgaria takes readers on a trip highlighting the unique aspects of the country and its rich customs ingrained in tradition. ~ Amy for Novels Alive
June 21, 2024
This is a razor sharp and powerful short story collecting. Weaving real historical events, with the author's adoration for the country, this is a wonderful collection and tribute to Bulgaria.
A mix of emotions and themes are packed within the stories and I was drawn to each and every one.
Well worth a read. I was captivated and intrigued where the next story may take me.
A mix of emotions and themes are packed within the stories and I was drawn to each and every one.
Well worth a read. I was captivated and intrigued where the next story may take me.
September 9, 2025
A variable result.soom appeared contrived. Like the story about thr mother, daughter
and granddaughter. Descriptions of setting v. alid. Information about Bulgaria valid.
4/5 quality. Quite readable and educational. I've been to Bulgaria and North Macedonia
and granddaughter. Descriptions of setting v. alid. Information about Bulgaria valid.
4/5 quality. Quite readable and educational. I've been to Bulgaria and North Macedonia
May 4, 2025
Rakiya - Stories of Bulgaria by Ellis Shuman is a collection of cultural short stories set in Bulgaria. In these short stories we follow such characters as pickpocketing Roma, a WWII veteran, refugees, authors, makers of rakiya, and hunters - all while learning about the rich history of the area.
As someone who knows little about the Bulgarian culture or the history, I was enchanted by the stories. I was also intrigued by the foods, drinks, mountains, and churches. By the time I was finished with the collection, I wondered if a trip to Bulgaria might be in order!
As an author, I was fascinated with how the author weaved these tales into a cohesive whole - and loved how a character from one story would inevitably end up in another. Despite being a series of short stories, it reads far more like a novel, with Bulgaria as the main character. It's a great read.
As someone who knows little about the Bulgarian culture or the history, I was enchanted by the stories. I was also intrigued by the foods, drinks, mountains, and churches. By the time I was finished with the collection, I wondered if a trip to Bulgaria might be in order!
As an author, I was fascinated with how the author weaved these tales into a cohesive whole - and loved how a character from one story would inevitably end up in another. Despite being a series of short stories, it reads far more like a novel, with Bulgaria as the main character. It's a great read.
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