Travel Talk: Hungary and The Songs We Hide

In recent years many Americans have visited Budapest, Hungary, perhaps while cruising the Danube. But few Americans understand Hungary, a nation with a unique ethnic heritage and a long history of invasions and struggle. Tacoma author Connie Hampton Connally has written a novel set in Hungary in 1951, and her extensive research for the book included interviews with Hungarians who lived through this painful Stalinist period. Using photos, historical overview and personal stories, Connie will explain who the Hungarians are and what they have dealt with, focusing especially on Hungary’s communist years.

Connie will read short excerpts from her novel, The Songs We Hide, which Foreword Reviews has called “a captivating masterpiece of historical fiction.” Here is a brief summary: In communist Hungary, a peasant loses his land, a young mother loses her baby’s father, and both are scared into silence—until music brings them together to face the agonizing tests ahead. The book will be available for purchase at the Travel Talk.

Connie Hampton Connally holds a BA in English from the University of Washington and a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from Antioch University. She has worked as an editor and has taught high school English and elementary music. In addition to her historical novel The Songs We Hide, Connie has written and published newspaper articles and magazine stories. She is currently writing another novel set in Hungary. Connie and her husband, architect Rory Connally, live in Tacoma, WA, and frequently travel abroad.

Please note the new venue for Travel Talk programs is RAIN Incubator.

Snacks and wine will be available for purchase. Cash only.

Travel Talk programs are generously underwritten through a sponsorship by Seasons Travel.  We are very grateful for its ongoing support.