1956 Love & Revolution
by J. A. Boulet
GENRE: Historical Fiction
BLURB:
What would you do for your country?
In 1955, a group of uncommon people meet by chance. During the final year of Rákosi’s iron fist rule, Imre Nagy’s reforms are repealed, plunging Hungary back into economic ruin.
A university student, a cleaner, a Hungarian soldier and several others find themselves drawn toward each other as their love for their country is tested. In the fall of 1956, political strife deepens as the students begin demanding reform.
How far will they go to save Hungary?
Well-researched, politically charged and fast-paced, 1956 Love & Revolution will lure you into the lives of everyday Hungarians who risked everything for their country.
Purchase 1956 Love & Revolution on Amazon
Excerpt:
It must be the AVH, the State Protection Authority. She had her documents with her but was always fearful of the AVH. They could do anything to Hungarians, it seemed, without cause. They even confiscated anti-communist families’ homes and sent the people to camps. The AVH was no better than the Gestapo.
Elona stayed in the shadow of the alleyway as the officers appeared, walking casually down the deserted street. There were four men in full uniform with differing colours. They were smoking cigarettes and chatting amicably. Her heart skipped a beat as one man looked directly in her direction.
She tried to keep as still as possible while the men continued their conversation.
“Imre Nagy needed to go,” one man said. “He’s nothing but trouble to this country.”
“We have enough trouble just doing our jobs to keep the peace here,” another man countered. “After Stalin’s death, our entire society is beginning to unravel.”
The third officer nodded but didn’t add to the conversation. He was quiet and reserved, with an almost intelligent look to his face.
Elona was fascinated by his face. She stared at him from the dark corner of the alleyway and found herself entranced by his mannerisms. He had a gentle but strong gait. Something about him told her that he was in charge. He must be a Colonel or something.
Elona grimaced and chastised herself. She was a married woman! She shouldn’t be gawking at an officer!
“You are quiet tonight, Colonel Laszlo,” the fourth policeman said. “Nothing to add? You are always so reserved about politics.”
Laszlo nodded down the street. “I think there is someone in that alleyway, Jozsef.”
All four men glanced in the same direction.
Elona knew she had to do something. She couldn’t just stay in the alleyway, and she couldn’t run. So she grabbed her bucket, stepped out onto the street and began to confidently walk home. Her back felt like it was on fire from all the eyes on her. She continued walking, once slowing down to adjust her mop so they could clearly see that she was just a cleaning lady.
The first tall officer shouted. “Halt! Get your papers out.”
The four men approached her as she stopped and fumbled in her bag nervously. She had nothing to be nervous about, Elona told herself. She had been stopped before at 4 am.
The group closed in. She had her documents ready, and her arm stretched out with the papers in her hand.
Laszlo was in the lead and stopped directly in front of her.
Interview with JA Boulet
How many books have you written and which is your favorite?
I’ve written eight books now, five are published. My favourite book I would say is the most current book 1956 Love & Revolution. It is very dear to my heart cuz the events were something my parents actually went through. But literary-wise, it is an extremely well-written book. It flows from the first page all the way to the last. You’ll fall in love with many of the characters.
If you’re planning a sequel, can you share a tiny bit about your
plans for it?
I am not planning a sequel to 1956 Love & Revolution. It is a strong standalone book that has a lot of merit in standing on its own. You’ll see what I mean when you read it. It is a full story from start to finish.
Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to
build a body of work with connections between each book?
I write each of my books to stand on its own, even in the series that I write. One thing that I personally enjoy as a reader, is to pick up any book and just be able to read the story.
How did you come up with the title for your book?
It is a simple title that describes the time period of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. For people that are searching for books about the revolution or any revolution for that matter, it can be easily googled.
How long did it take you to write this book?
1956 Love & Revolution took me between 7-8 months from start to publication date.
What does the title mean?
1956 Love & Revolution means many things. Firstly, 1956 describes the period of a very tumultuous time in Eastern European history. Then Love & Revolution together means how ordinary lives continue on through wars and revolution. Citizens struggle to stay alive but they fall in love with a common purpose as well.
What did you learn when writing the book?
I learned so much about the ’56 Hungarian Revolution, especially about the politics of the uprising and how it started many years before 1956. Revolutions don’t appear from thin air. It was a long process of reforms, then political changes that repealed all those reforms, plunging Hungary back into economic ruin. Citizens grew angrier and angrier as they watched other countries demand reform, then the crucial point happened when students began tabling 16 points of reform.
What surprised you the most?
I think what surprised me was learning of the scathing attack on Stalin during the 20th Communist Party Congress in Moscow by one of Russia’s own, a man named Nikita Khrushchev. The speech denounced Stalin’s actions as plain murders and criticized the ensuing personality cults for continuing along this brutal path. I did not know of this before researching. It was another step towards reform and forced the citizens to take matters into their own hands.
Have you ever killed off a character your readers loved?
Yes, unfortunately. I make you fall in love with the characters and feel what they are feeling. I try to write as real and genuine as possible. Love happens in real life but so does death. I have to admit that I cry while writing those scenes and they are very difficult for me to edit and proofread over and over again. Nothing dulls the pain I feel for my characters.
What do you do to get inside your character’s heads?
I watch YouTube videos and listen to songs and I also watch movies of the events! For instance, during Book 4, The Origins, I had a particularly difficult scene to write about an angry estranged man. I couldn’t relate so I listened to an Ozzy and Post Malone song!! LOL! I wrote an amazing scene as a result! During 1956 Love & Revolution, I immersed myself in first account research documents and watched the movie Children of Glory. It is a very emotional movie and it will bring tears to your eyes. I suggest you all watch the movie trailer. The movie itself is in Hungarian but the trailer is subtitled. It is an accurate account of the revolution with superb acting. You can really get a feel of “being there”.
Thank you so much for having me today on the last stop of my tour! I hope everyone loves 1956 Love & Revolution as much as I did writing it. May it fill your hearts with hope for a better future.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
J. A. Boulet is the passionate author of five historical fiction novels. Her newest novel, 1956 Love & Revolution, is a chilling standalone book about the 1956 Hungarian uprising. A highly anticipated release scheduled for June 5, 2023, this is a book that the author holds close to her heart.
J. A. Boulet was raised in the aftermath of the Hungarian Revolution. Her father was a Hungarian soldier who fought bravely during the 1956 uprising. He escaped and was granted asylum in Canada. Ms. Boulet’s mother also fled from the revolution shortly after. The couple met, fell in love and built a family in Saskatchewan.
J. A. Boulet was born decades later. Raised in a refugee family with strong morals has provided J. A. with the foundation to which she has stood behind all her life. Ms. Boulet began writing poetry at a very young age and progressed to short stories and novels easily. She quickly became a history geek and became fascinated with ancestry and the rough path of immigration. J. A. published her first book in 2020 and has since published one to two books annually. She writes with an unsettling realism, grabbing your emotions and refusing to let go. 1956: Love and Revolution is a book you won’t be able to put down.
Follow J. A. Boulet on
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7 comments:
Thank you for hosting!
I really like the cover. Looks great.
I loved the interview! Thank you so much for having me here today! Love ya all!
Sounds like a good book.
I really like the cover.
Writing about historical events is a good thing! Educate while entertaining.
looks like a fun one
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