Rakiya by Ellis Shuman is an interesting collection of diverse short stories that transport readers to the heart of Bulgaria, a country with rich history, exotic traditions, and complex human experiences. Each story in the collection is drawn together by shots of rakiya, the traditional Bulgarian spirit, which the collection is unsurprisingly named after.

Rakiya’s Strengths and Weaknesses

One of the collection’s strengths lies in its ability to capture the essence of Bulgarian life in all its complexity. Shuman doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker aspects of society, like poverty, corruption, and historical trauma. He also celebrates the warmth, resilience, and humour of the Bulgarian people. Thus, there is a palpable sense of authenticity that comes from Shuman’s deep understanding and appreciation of Bulgarian culture. His descriptions of Bulgarian cuisine and rakiya throughout the book are tantalizing and make you want to experience them firsthand.

All the stories are amazing, but the stories that stand out the most to me is “The Volcano,” particularly for the tension leading up to the raw emotions the soon-to-be father displays at the airport. “Sozopol” is another interesting piece with a twist I never expected, and what a brilliant twist it is. I also loved “Three Women in Sofia,” I find their characters well-developed, and although the coincidence of the three women being related in the end is way too convenient, it is heartwarming, nonetheless. I appreciate the inclusion of “Forgiveness,” a historically accurate account of the Holocaust from a Bulgarian/Jewish perspective, and its semi-fictional presentation is memorable. In “The Train Stops in Plovdiv,” I will fondly remember Todov’s story within the story, about the man who gets separated from his wife on their way to Varna, and when they reunite, the wife doesn’t believe his story.

The collection’s diversity is another noteworthy aspect. Shuman’s characters come from all walks of life, including a Roma woman who pickpockets with her child for their survival, an Israeli author who gets involved in a murder mystery, a femme fatale, a war veteran, two bakers, the ‘Syrian Brothers’, the ghost in “The Cave”, among others. This diversity allows readers to experience and understand Bulgaria better through a multitude of lenses.

Shuman also employs a remarkable technique – the reappearance of certain characters across different stories. Jamal, one of the Syrian brothers who runs the bakery, is a prime example. Initially introduced as a kind-hearted figure in “Mother and Daughter,” we later delve into his backstory as a doctor in “The Baker.” In “The Train Stops in Plovdiv,” we encounter him once again, this time from the perspective of a customer ordering a large quantity of pitas.

Another recurring character is Professor Ravovsky, a literature professor at the university. He appears in “Sozopol,” which culminates in the realization of the twist that the story we read in “Sozopol” is, in fact, one of his student’s assignment, blurring the lines between reality and fiction within the collection itself. In “The Train Stops in Plovdiv,” he appears again, discussing this “interesting story” written by the student about an Israeli author.

This fascinating technique not only adds so much depth to the characters but also creates a sense of continuity and interconnectedness throughout the collection. In a way, it reminds me of the characters in Chimeka Garricks’ A Broken People’s Playlist.

Overall Impression of Rakiya

Released on June 17, 2024, by GenZ Publishing, “Rakiya: Stories of Bulgaria” is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the hidden gems of Eastern European literature. Ellis Shuman’s masterful storytelling and keen eye for detail make this collection an unforgettable journey through the heart and soul of Bulgaria. It once again speaks to the power of short fiction to transport readers to new worlds and offer fresh perspectives on the human experience.

Recommendation

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in exploring Bulgarian culture, history, and contemporary life. It is a thought-provoking and entertaining read that will leave a lasting impression—a 4/5 star rating for this collection.

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