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DISCOVER SLOVAKLAND

A Novel about the Epic History of Central Europe

Available on Amazon/Kindle: ISBN 9798772086308 and through bookstores ISBN 9781088066409

The Lednica Castle Today
Village of Zubak
Palanok Castle--Mukachevo, Ukraine
Map center of Europe
One of 3 houses that did not burn in 1800
The Trencin Castle
The Bratislava Castle on the Danube
Slovakland--eBook cover showing the old Lednica Castle

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT SLOVAKIA?

When it comes to the epic history of Central Europe, the Slovaks were involved in it all, yet little is known of their story. Textbooks skim or omit it. Even my Slovak immigrant grandparents never talked about the "old country". 


The captivating history of the Slovaks is finally told here. It begins with a cunning jewel heist and escape from the Hunnic Avars in 791. The characters then survive through the centuries as they become part of Great Moravia, Magyar-controlled Hungary, and finally the mighty Austro-Hungarian Empire. The years connect them to Charlemagne, Crusaders and the Mongols. They survive plagues, famines, bloody battles, fires and cruel lords. We see them forced to work, fight, and change their religion. They learn to live by their wits and determination. Yes, they eventually rebel.


Despite the rape, plunder and gore, there are many light moments--the crazy priest, magnificent knights, the wonder of building a castle.  And here the beautiful and mighty Slovak castles are settings for their own intriguing stories, not stand-ins for Game of Thrones or Braveheart.  


Come and take a journey through the ages. You may be surprised at what you learn!

​

Helena

​

A Tribute
to 

Juraj Csarik

Slovak Geneology Researcher and Guide
who passed away in April







Juraj collected Legos for refugee children
J
uraj collected Legos for refugee Ukrainian children
Juraj spent countless hours recording the surnames associated with many Slovak villages, making it easier for others to do detailed genealogical research.  He also helped over 200 Ukrainian refugees cross the border into Slovakia and assisted in their re-settlement. He answered many questions related to my ancestors, for which I will always be grateful. 

 

                                                            A big thank you to the Rick Steves' organization for recognizing Central Europe as a special place                                                                     distinct from Eastern Europe. Look for references to Central Europe to pop up in his guidebooks and                                                                tours. 

SLovakia castle.jpg

TAKE THE CENTRAL/EASTERN EUROPEAN QUIZ

10 Questions

SLOVAKIA IS THE CENTER OF EUROPE

Map center of Europe.jpg
Slovakia Map.webp

LOCATIONS IN THE BOOK

Book Map png.png

View Locations in Slovakland

HISTOR~1_edited.jpg
With the Zednica Castle Historian.jpg

Helena recently visited sites from the book in Slovakia, Czechia and Austria. Here are photos of how they look today.

Charming old woman on the main Zubak roa
By the Zubak Sign_edited.jpg
At the Plague Victim's Memorial Pillar -
Example of the brick-and-wattle system o
The Lednica Castle Ruins_edited.jpg
Ladder to the upper part of the Lednica
Navigating the castle worksite_edited.jp
At the Puchov Train Station_edited.jpg
Memorial to Hus-Old Town Square--Prague
Interior of the Current Church in Lednic
Cousin Jaroslav Zachar, Mark, Hely, Brec
View from the Charles Bridge_edited.jpg
View of Lednica from the Magpie Steps_ed
Tossing St_edited.jpg
Memorial to Sigismund_edited.jpg
Memorial to Wenceslaus_edited.jpg
Hus Manument--Old Town Square. Hus is fa
Entgrance to the Palace - Vienna_edited.

Ukraine: Caught in the Middle

Helena will present this talk on the history of Ukraine to the Sacramento State University Renaissance Society on February 28 and April 15. The Spring catalog will be out soon:  https://www.csus.edu/college/social-sciences-interdisciplinary-studies/renaissance-society/

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