DISCOVER SLOVAKLAND

A Novel about the Epic History of Central Europe

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

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
Juraj 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.

TAKE THE CENTRAL/EASTERN EUROPEAN QUIZ

10 Questions

Click Here

SLOVAKIA IS THE CENTER OF EUROPE

LOCATIONS IN THE BOOK

View Locations in Slovakland

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

At the Plague Victim's Memorial Pillar -

Example of the brick-and-wattle system o

Navigating the castle worksite_edited.jp

Interior of the Current Church in Lednic

Cousin Jaroslav Zachar, Mark, Hely, Brec

View of Lednica from the Magpie Steps_ed

Hus Manument--Old Town Square. Hus is fa

Entgrance to the Palace - Vienna_edited.

Slovaks helped many Ukrainian refugees, housing them in their homes and schools. On the right is the Slovak/Ukrainian border crossing.

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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Excited to Share Photos of Current Sites in Slovakland

I recently visited a number of sites in my historical fiction novel Slovakland on a whirlwind European trip. It was great to see that...

What do you know about the history of Ukraine?

Happy to again be presenting a lecture on Eastern European history at CSU-Sacramento on October 27. This time I'll be discussing the...

Learn the History of Slovakia

It's actually VERY interesting. Do you know that if it were not for the beautiful Slovak castles, Europe might have fallen to the Mongols?...

Slovakia is NOT Slovenia...

I am continually surprised at the number of people who confuse the two. I have also been startled by the number of Jeopardy...