Transylvania’s History A to Z: 100 Word Stories by Patricia Furstenberg

Publisher:

Date of publication: August 23rd, 2021

Genre: Nonfiction, Educational

Goodreads Synopsis:

In Transylvania’s History A to Z, a collection of 100-word stories sprinkled with breathtaking photographs, Patricia Furstenberg uses the confining rules of the 100-word story form to stirringly capture Transylvania, Romania’s historical and geographical region.

Transylvania’s unspoiled natural beauty, its tumultuous history, and the people who touched it are depicted in this book.
Written as snapshots, tall tales, and descriptive narratives, these 100-word stories are the espresso of creative writing.

A – Z, 100-Wors Stories are inspired by Transylvania’s history, from the Paleolithic Period to WW1
Each 100 Words Story is followed by a brief historical reference

The unique beauty of a 100-word story is in the way the words are strung together, each one a gem, and in the spaces left between the words, and between the sentences. So much can be told, with little words. It is a challenge for the writer, and a thrill for the reader, as each time the tale is read, a new detail springs to mind.

“As an armchair historian, I love researching lost tales, traveling, exploring hidden corners, and unearthing new facts, forgotten characters, or hidden clues. I love to give them a voice and to bring them into the light in my tales. Be it people, animals, or the land and its architecture, no detail is too small, no voice is too soft. What was once overlooked now brings history alive in my historical or contemporary fiction books and short stories, such as the 100-Word Stories based on the history of Transylvania.” (Patricia Furstenberg)

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First Line:

In the meager light of a barren winter afternoon, a man slid between icy cliffs.

transylvania’s history a to z: 100 word stories by patricia furstenberg

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I do not usually read anthologies or nonfiction books for review. I find them hard to review and feel like I am leaving something out. But, when the author approached me to read and review Transylvania’s History A to Z: 100 Word Stories, the book caught my interest and curiosity. I am glad that I decided to read and review this book.

I enjoyed reading this book. It was a relatively short book (just over 100 pages). There are beautiful pictures that accompany each story. I am fortunate to have a Kindle Oasis and could see the images (even though they were in black and white).

I also learned quite a bit about Transylvania’s history. Now, I am going to admit that I know next to nothing about Transylvania. My knowledge is vampires, Dracula, Vlad the Impaler, and the Carpathian Mountains. So it was very refreshing to learn something new about this country.

I didn’t have a favorite short story because I liked them all equally. I know it sounds like a cop-out, but I honestly did enjoy everything put into the book.

I would recommend Transylvania’s History A to Z: 100 Word Stories to anyone over the age of 13. There is no language, but there are mentions of violent events.