Gypsy Spirit
Tango of Death, Book 1
Few people realize that being Gypsy in 1943 Poland was as dangerous and frightening as being a Jew. It is guessed that between five hundred thousand to one million Gypsies perished during the Holocaust, the Porraimos (the devouring) as the Gypsies called it.
Gypsy Spirit is the story of fifteen year-old Zilka Sucuri, a Gypsy girl who is thrust into the horrors of the Holocaust. Her life of traveling from town to town, singing and dancing the Gypsy way comes to an unconscionable stop when a SS death squad shoot every man, woman, and child in her kumpania. If she had not literally been up a tree, she would have been among those lying dead in a mass grave.
Her lungo drom (the long road) takes her across Poland, Austria, and Germany in a driving struggle to help an American pilot return safely to his unit so he can return to bomb the many concentration, work, and death camps all across Poland and Germany. Her efforts reveal the truths of Belzec, the challenges of the partisans, and the burning desire to survive to be a living witness of what truly happened to the non-Aryans of Hitler’s Germany.
Gypsy Spirit is a story of the driving spirit of a Gypsy girl, who took it upon herself to document the truth. Her strength and determination brings to light a story of magnanimity and the fears and atrocities such a Gypsy girl might have lived through.
An Excerpt from Gypsy SpiritFew people realize that being Gypsy in 1943 Poland was as dangerous and frightening as being a Jew. It is guessed that between five hundred thousand to one million Gypsies perished during the Holocaust, the Porraimos (the devouring) as the Gypsies called it.
Gypsy Spirit is the story of fifteen year-old Zilka Sucuri, a Gypsy girl who is thrust into the horrors of the Holocaust. Her life of traveling from town to town, singing and dancing the Gypsy way comes to an unconscionable stop when a SS death squad shoot every man, woman, and child in her kumpania. If she had not literally been up a tree, she would have been among those lying dead in a mass grave.
Her lungo drom (the long road) takes her across Poland, Austria, and Germany in a driving struggle to help an American pilot return safely to his unit so he can return to bomb the many concentration, work, and death camps all across Poland and Germany. Her efforts reveal the truths of Belzec, the challenges of the partisans, and the burning desire to survive to be a living witness of what truly happened to the non-Aryans of Hitler’s Germany.
Gypsy Spirit is a story of the driving spirit of a Gypsy girl, who took it upon herself to document the truth. Her strength and determination brings to light a story of magnanimity and the fears and atrocities such a Gypsy girl might have lived through.
In the author's words . . .
Tell us a little about yourself.
It seems I’ve been
writing forever…and I guess I have, since dreaming up stories in my head was a
great escape as young as ten. I just finished my thirteenth book,
releasing with Books We Love. I write Indian historicals and suspense,
but no matter what genre’ I’m writing…you can be sure to experience either the
west of the 1800s or the west of today.
I stepped out of my
comfort zone recently and have been working on my Tango of Death trilogy that
takes place in 1943 Germany, during the Holocaust. Book 1, Gypsy Spirit,
released in October of this year and I just finished Book 2, Partisan
Heart. In February I’ll start writing Book 3, Jewish Soul.
What inspired you
to write this book?
For over fifteen
years the Tango of Death (TANGO FUN TOYT), a book about the Gypsies during the
holocaust has haunted me. My publisher, Books We Love, wanted me to ‘push
myself’ and asked for a trilogy. I’m so glad they did. It hasn’t been
easy . . . but I believe these are the best books I’ve written to date.
My inspiration
comes from being of Polish decent; I’ve been drawn to the struggles and
incredible spirit it took to survive this unconscionable time in history. I
wrote this story to create awareness and to pay homage to those Gypsies who
lost their lives during the porraimos (the devouring), as the Gypsies called
the Holocaust.
I pray that those
who read this book will find it touch their spirit with compassion and new
understanding.
If you had to sum
it up Gypsy Spirit in 30 or less words, what would you say?
Book 1–Tango of
Death Series - Gypsy Spirit is a story of the driving spirit of a Gypsy
girl, who took it upon herself to document the truth. Her strength and
determination brings to light a story of magnanimity and the fears and
atrocities such a Gypsy girl might have lived through. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009KDY5D6
What inspired the
idea behind your book?
For centuries, the
people known as Gypsies roamed Europe. They preferred lungo drom, ‘the
long road’; they had no home and wanted none. Their life was an endless journey
to nowhere in particular.
It is widely
recognized that the persecution and murder of the Roma and Sinti Gypsies
have been largely overlooked by most scholars studying the Holocaust.
Because most Romani communities of Eastern Europe were much less organized than
the Jewish communities, it has been more difficult to assess the actual number
of victims, though it is believed to range from 220,000 to 1,500,000.
Do you have a
favorite character in Gypsy Spirit? Who and why?
Yes, Zilka is the
almost sixteen year-old heroine in Gypsy Spirit. She is spunky and
just a delightful character. She has to grow-up fast and must face more than
anyone should have to at that age. She has a free spirit and a loving soul.
Although the story starts out with her having a ‘young love’ interest, this
story is strong in a ‘brother-sister’ relationship. You can’t help but love
this little Gypsy girl.
What has been your
greatest challenge in writing Gypsy Spirit?
This is a fabulous
question, because writing Gypsy Spirit was a true challenge in the
respect I didn’t want to tell a story that has already been told during the
Holocaust. I did extensive research for over ten years, gleaning
information I thought was necessary to tell, important to share, without
sensationalizing what happened. I want the truth to be told, and to share the
inhumane attitude the Nazis had toward anyone who wasn’t pure Aryan.
I worked hard to
create a story around real Nazis and real documented events and created a story
I believe truly could have happened to a Gypsy girl in 1943 Poland.
Another challenge
has been using Roma, German, Polish, and Yiddish languages throughout these
books, and making sure the reader has no doubt what is being said.
What has been your
greatest pleasure in writing this book?
I’ve wanted
to share a story that has been haunting me for years. To tell a story that will
help others understand what the Gypsy had to endure during the Holocaust. How
their culture made the demands on them even more demoralizing and hard to
overcome. I’m shocked how many people just aren’t aware Gypsies were
equally persecuted during this dark time in history.
Of the books you’ve
written, which is your favorite?
That’s like asking
me which of my children is my favorite. I love each one in a different way.
I love Indian historicals and I love suspense. My White Berry on the Red Willow
is actually a Native American futuristic book. And now I’m writing the
Holocaust trilogy. How do I pick? Each one is special to me and I
loved writing them.
I guess I’m as good
as my next book . . . so I hope Book 3 of the Tango of Death series, Partisan
Heart, will be my favorite when I’m done writing!
What kind of
research was involved for the series? Did you find it became easier with each
book?
I made considerable
efforts to make sure the integrity of 1943 Germany, the Ukraine, and Poland are
kept. The land, languages, and political upheaval was a concern of mine.
I bought endless books on the Gypsies and did endless research until I was
positive each book had the tone I wanted and needed.
With a trilogy that
became more difficult, because I wanted each book to be fresh and not a repeat
of the information I shared with my reader in the book(s) preceding it. I used
real Nazis and real partisans. Sometimes the reader might not even realize I
was using a live person of that time . . . but I knew and that was important to
me. I believe there is a thread of realism and a feel of authenticity
throughout all three books.
As a multi-genre
author, how do you juggle going back and forth between the different genres? Do
you have a preferred genre?
When I’m writing
Native American . . . I’m self-absorbed! When I’m writing suspense –
again I think of nothing else. Right now I’m absorbed by the
Holocaust. I get into a genre with a vengeance. I remove myself from all
past books and eat, sleep, and write the genre I’m involved with. It
never feels like I’m juggling, because I don’t write first a Native American
book, and next do a suspense book, and then back to writing a Native American
book. I will write several books in a row in a genre, then take on
several books in another genre. Because I’m not juggling back and forth, I
never feel disjointed. Genre preference? – it would have to be the genre
I’m writing at the time.
Do you have plans
for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
Once I finish Book
3 of my Tango of Death series, Jewish Heart, I’m contracted to write my
Ten Commandment suspense series. I’m very excited about this and it will
be a nice change from the dark history of the Holocaust. Yes, this means there
will be ten books to this series! What am I thinking??
What’s the best
book your mother ever gave or read to you?
My grandmother gave
me a large book of Cinderella. It was a shiny, blue book that I read and
imagined myself in almost every day. I treasured that book and it helped me at
an early age to imagine a story . . . and realized it took me away from
everything that wasn’t good in my life.
What was the last
truly great book you read?
I loved reading
Ginger Simpson’s series; Sarah’s Heart and Sarah’s Passion.
They are so well-written and a superb storyline that I still think about
them. That’s the sign of good writing and good books.
Do you write your
friends or family members into your books? If so, did they figure it out?
Yes, I do and I
would guess everyone uses characters from their lives. I used my mother-in-law
in my book Kidnapped. My daughter recognized her immediately. My police
detective friend recognized himself in Revenge. I use the loyal love and
humor my husband has shown me in the relationships in my books. I have a
tendency to have mothers who have deserted the family or are destructive, with
good reason. So, yes, I think I’m a writer who feels it from inside and writes
from the heart.
How do you unwind
after a long writing session?
I treat myself to a
glass of wine and a movie I’ve been waiting to watch. Then my reward is to pick
a book (which is hard … I must have fourteen-thousand waiting to be read) and
read … relax … and enjoy!
Who or what has
most influenced your writing?
My sister Diane,
who I lost to throat cancer three years ago, has had the great impact on my
writing. I think I would have given it up early in my career without her
support and belief in me. Now I write not only because it’s my passion,
but because I know Diane would be so proud of me.
Did the plot of the
book turn out the way you planned or did something change during the process of
writing it?
To be honest, I
love surprises while I’m writing. In Gypsy Spirit there was a
scene I had no idea where it was going to lead . . . I just didn’t know how
Zilka was going to get out of the pickle she was in. Then a flat tire on
a Nazi car changed all that and the story took off in a direction I didn’t
expect, with a real Nazi officer! What excitement and twist.
If you could get
anyone to read your book, who would you choose and why?
Yes, Steven
Spielberg, because he has done so many movies and documentaries about the
Holocaust and perhaps my Tango of Death series would touch his soul, and he’d
like to make a movie out of them.
Favorite
place?
Cook City… little
restaurant overlooking a stream - with hubby.
Best Christmas
present?
Finding out I was
pregnant.
Favorite
author?
Kat Martin
Favorite
smell?
Baby after a bath
Favorite
movie?
Last of the Dogmen
Favorite
dish?
Husband’s barbecued
spareribs
Favorite
color?
Citrine
Favorite quote?
“Life isn’t about
waiting for the storm to pass . . . it’s learning to dance in the rain . .
.” I also love, “Friends are gifts we give ourselves.”
Your best trait?
My positive
attitude and humor.
Your worst trait?
Need to learn to
listen better.
Is there anything
else you’d like to share with your reader’s today?
I love hearing from my readers. Feel free
to email me at ritakarnopp@bresnan.net
Poland
– Slovakia – Germany 1943
CHAPTER
ONE
The twins ran past Zilka, their skirts blowing in the breeze nearly tripping
them. The coins tied to their blouses jingled with each step. Their laughter
carried on the wind.
“Mayla, Vanya, where you running off to?” Zilka hoped they’d ask her to join
them.
“Varekai,” Mayla shouted.
Zilka stomped her foot and frowned at them. “Don’t wherever me. I know
you’re headed to the pond. You want the boys to find you. I’m telling papa.”
“Shush, you baby. Don’t be tellin’ papa anything or I’ll tell him you and Petre
were up in that tree last night.”
“You keep your tongue or I’ll tell papa you and Vilas were kissing out by the
horses this morning.”
“Quiet, both of you before everyone knows, including papa.” Mayla leaned toward
the girls and whispered. “A vardo came in late last night.”
“Just one? Why would just one wagon
come?” Vanya asked.
“Who was it?” Zilka looked around
the encampment and adjusted the woven flower ring on her head.
“It was a family of diddakois.”
Mayla answered with an exaggerated expression of distaste.
“So what, we’re a family of
half-gypsies.” Zilka shook her head and rolled her eyes.
“They stayed with Natsi’s family.
She said they were nervous and scared. They all went to the Shero Rom and
talked and argued for hours before finally settling down for the night.”
“What were they arguing about?”
Vanya whispered.
“I asked Natsi, but she didn’t know.
The diddakois did a lot of crying.”
“You think they were sent away from
their kumpania and they want to join ours?”
“We’ll have to ask papa. He’ll
know.” Mayla reached over and pulled on Zilka’s necklace.
“Atch,” she shouted, then
grabbed Mayla’s long, sandy braid and gave it a tug.
“You little schej.” She yanked
Zilka’s flowers down over her eyes and ran. Vanya followed on her heels.
Zilka smiled. She loved
it when the twins called her a little Gypsy girl. The early morning chill sent
her fetching a shawl before following them. Their house on wheels snuggled
under a tree on the edge of camp. Zilka smiled. She loved the blue and green
carved gilded spokes that housed a sitting space just outside the front
door. The windows of the wagon were covered by lace curtains and the
wheel spokes were painted gold. The curved roof edges were carved and
painted yellow and red from which they hung copper ornaments.
She picked up her shawl and
readjusted the flowers she always wore.
“Bajram, you cannot be serious.
Mayla deserves a much younger man than Istvan Radita. Even his son, Ivan
would be a better choice. She will never agree to it.”
“We should never have promised the
girls they could approve or disapprove their tumnimos. Mayla is the eldest and
must choose her betrothed first. They are all getting too old for me to arrange
marriages for them. We should have taken care of this long ago.”
It wasn’t right to listen to her
parent’s conversation, yet Zilka couldn’t bring herself to leave.
“Bajram, you are a good taj and the
girls love you.”
“A good father would do what’s best
for them even if they don’t understand. They know I love them and want them
happy. I’m the laughing stock of our kumpania where the girls are concerned.”
Zilka smiled to herself. Everyone
knew Bajram Sucuri could not say no to his girls. He was strict and protected them
fiercely, but in the end the girls had the last word. There would be no abiav
until Mayla agreed to marry. Then they’d have a fabulous wedding feast.
“What if Rosalia and Adam Bogdan are
telling the truth? We must—“
“You want to divorce me and go back
to the city? Would you take my chavis from me? It would tear my heart out,
Elise.”
“You know I love you, Bajram,” Elise
stifled her emotions. “If the SS are now arresting Gypsies, we must consider
what this means.”
Zilka sat and leaned her shoulder
against the front door, afraid what she would hear next.
“It can’t be true,” Bajram slammed
his fist on top the wooden table. “We are German citizens.”
“We are also Gypsies.”
“No. I am Gypsy,” Bajram shouted.
“You are Arian and our chavis are mischlinge.”
“Yes the girls are of mixed
ancestry, but they could easily pass as Arian because they are jenische. Maybe
being a white Gypsy is a blessing now. I could take them to my grandmother’s
chalet in Switzerland. We could wait out the war there until you return for us.
I am not divorcing you.”
“I’m not convinced we have to do
this. We should wait until we can confirm these rumors. What if—“
“We can’t take the chance. We have
to think of our girls . . . “
Zilka didn’t want to listen to
another word. She bolted from the wagon and ran down the trail. A sharp rock
pierced the bottom of her bare foot and she hobbled a short time, then sped
ahead. Tears filled her eyes and streamed down her face.
“We’re over here, Zilka!”
She heard Vanya in the distance.
Blinded by tears, she ran along the edge of the pond. Finally out of
breath, she stopped and sat on the dry shore. Pulling her legs into her chest,
she cried until it hurt.
“Zilka, why on earth did you keep
running?” Vanya asked, gasping for breath.
“Are you okay?” Mayla slid her arm
around Zilka’s back.
“I heard mama and papa talking.” She
paused and hiccupped. “They said they were going to make Mayla marry
Radita.”
“Ivan is actually really nice. He
has been—“
“Not Ivan. His father, Istvan.”
“What? That is dinilo. He’s almost
as old as papa.” Mayla stood and paced back and forth. “I won’t do it.”
“You won’t have to.” Zilka wiped her
wet cheeks with her palms.
“You’re not making any sense. Why
are you crying?” Vanya sat and pulled Zilka’s hand between hers.
“Mama is leaving papa and is taking
us to our gadze’ grandmother.”
“No, that can’t be true.” Disbelief
edged Mayla’s tone. “In Switzerland? Why would she do that? You must have heard
wrong.” She sat next to Zilka.
“No, I know what I heard. It has
something to do with those people who came last night. Papa said the SS were
arresting Gypsies. Mama is going to make us look like gadze’—”
“She wouldn’t leave papa,” Vanya interrupted.
“I’m not going to dress like a
non-gypsy. I refuse to act like a gadze’ and pretend to be only Arian. I
won’t leave papa and Petre.” Zilka wiped at the new stream of tears. She found
comfort sandwiched between her sisters.
“We need to talk with mama and
papa.” Mayla suggested.
“They can’t make us leave. This is
our jamarokher. We are not gadze’ and we’ll never think like them. Never to
travel. To be confined to one town. It is not for me.” Zilka pulled her flower
ring off her head and studied the yellow and pink flowers. It always brought
her comfort – until now.
“It is our home, schej,” Vanya
soothed. “Let’s see what mama and papa have to say before we get all upset and
worried.”
Zilka allowed her sisters to pull
her to her feet. A dark cloud settled over her as they headed back to their
vardo. She had not known such unhappiness. How could she leave papa? She would
stay with papa and the kumpania. How could she live without mama, Mayla and
Vanya? New tears surfaced and freely rolled down her cheeks.
Meet the Author
Multi-published author Rita Karnopp knew at a very young age
she wanted to be a writer – and penned her first story at age sixteen. She is
drawn to the history of the Native American and strives to bring alive the
authenticity of a time past. Whether writing suspense, Indian
historicals, or contemporary romance, Rita enjoys bringing excitement and the
enduring power of love to her stories.
Rita currently
resides in Montana with her husband and their loveable Cockapoo named
Gema.
When she isn’t
reading, writing or doing research, Rita enjoys making dream catchers, gold
panning, crystal or sapphire digging, rafting, fishing, canoeing, and spending
time with her children and grandchildren.
Connect with Rita
Website: http://ritakarnopp.com
Goodreads: http://goodreads.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/bookswelove
Amazon: http://amazon.com/ritakarnopp
Facebook: http://rita.karnopp@facebook.com
Publisher: http://bookswelove.com
LinkedIn: rita
karnopp
Other books by Rita Karnopp
What a fun interview this was with you Rita! Thank you for joining us and sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the interview.
ReplyDeleteAll that research sounds like a lot of work!
Rita,
ReplyDeleteHi! I so loved learning more about you...the citrine, I knew. :) I hope you have a wonderul time on your tour with MK! She is just great!!!
All the Best!
And Go Montana!!
Rionna
This book definitely touched me deeply.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun interview! I always love *hearing* from you! How great. Thank you for sharing all of this!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview! So many fun things to learn about you and the book. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteHi Rita,
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. I knew the gypsies were persecuted by Hitler and this thugs, but didn't realize how many tens of thousands were killed.
I think it is a wonderful thing that you have brought this tragedy to our attention.
Regards
Margaret