Radka Yakimov Livres

Set against the backdrop of Bulgaria's totalitarian regime, the narrative unfolds through a child's memories of wartime bombings and the profound societal shifts following the Soviet takeover in 1944. It explores themes of lost futures, survival, and the quest for freedom, highlighting the emotional struggle of reconnecting with a homeland that feels foreign after decades of oppression. The story captures the hopes and disappointments of a nation grappling with its identity and the lingering ties to a past that remains inescapable.

Exploring the impact of war and totalitarianism, this book narrates the journeys of Armenian and Jewish families, along with Eastern Europeans and Italians post-WWII, as they seek safety and peace. It delves into the personal stories shaped by intolerance and prejudice, highlighting the shared experiences and connections forged through their struggles. The narrative emphasizes the resilience of these communities in the face of historical challenges, showcasing their quest for security and belonging.

Set in 1890 Bulgaria, the story follows Trina, Vella, and Dobrinka as they uncover a long-hidden family treasure in a secluded meadow. Their discovery at an old monastery reveals an inheritance that has been unjustly divided, resulting in one sister receiving a larger share of gold. This revelation sparks feelings of betrayal and conflict among the sisters, exploring themes of familial loyalty and the consequences of greed.

In Café "The Blue Danube", Radka Yakimov, a native of Bulgaria, recalls tales that are heartfelt, reflective and insightful. The communist regimes of Eastern Europe, the fight for women's rights and trying to adapt to a new life in Canada while suspended between two worlds are towering themes in this hard-hitting book. Yakimov takes her readers to faraway places. You'll meet Mrs. Bailey, who finds herself in a strange place-right in her own country; you'll learn how so many are struggling with life in the post-communists democracies while battling the consequences of totalitarianism; and you'll feel how agonizing it can be for a mother to yearn for a child in a faraway place. And of course, you'll walk through the doors of Café "The Blue Danube," where immigrants united by a common love of dancing and music can congregate and come to terms with their own circumstances, their own problems and their own regrets all while looking to the future. The memoirs in Café "The Blue Danube" deftly point out that being a newcomer can be a difficult experience, but they also celebrate what makes us all different-as well as the same.