Ask the Author: Mirta Ines Trupp
Answered Questions (14)
Mirta Ines Trupp
Hello Micebyliz. Thank you for your interest. I suppose "Argentine-style" knishes would be very much like what we would find elsewhere in the diaspora. Generally speaking, if your ancestors were 'Polish', they probably had sweet, cheese knishes. If your ancestors were 'Russian', they would lean towards savory. In my family, potato knishes were filled with fried onion and just the right amount of salt and pepper. Now, if you wanted to spice it up a bit, there was always a bit of 'chimichurri' on hand. :-) Happy reading!
Mirta Ines Trupp
Shira! That is wonderful!! Thank you so very much!
Mirta Ines Trupp
Thank you Claudia! I'm so glad the Austenesque vibe shines through! I'm also very pleased that you’ve enjoyed the diverse cast of characters. Each one brings their own individual gifts and talents to the story; it is rather difficult to choose one.
Malka, the matriarch, is the epitome of elegance and wisdom. She imparts a sense of constancy and respectability. These are most definitely characteristics which I would hope to emulate. Then we have Leah, who, at times, reminded me of Lydia Bennett, the silliest of young ladies of “Pride and Prejudice” fame. With lighthearted, teenage bravado, Leah is continually throwing caution to the wind, and yet, I hope readers see a more refined—a more sensible—'Elizabeth' unfold as she (Leah) matures throughout the novel. I see myself in Leah’s plans and aspirations. While I can’t profess to have lived the life of an aristocrat, I can admit to the fact that, I too, was a cossetted and naive young lady—thanks to an overprotective and old-fashioned family. Like this independent and unconventional protagonist, I wanted to pave my own way, paying homage to my culture and heritage, but fashioning my life in my own terms.
Malka, the matriarch, is the epitome of elegance and wisdom. She imparts a sense of constancy and respectability. These are most definitely characteristics which I would hope to emulate. Then we have Leah, who, at times, reminded me of Lydia Bennett, the silliest of young ladies of “Pride and Prejudice” fame. With lighthearted, teenage bravado, Leah is continually throwing caution to the wind, and yet, I hope readers see a more refined—a more sensible—'Elizabeth' unfold as she (Leah) matures throughout the novel. I see myself in Leah’s plans and aspirations. While I can’t profess to have lived the life of an aristocrat, I can admit to the fact that, I too, was a cossetted and naive young lady—thanks to an overprotective and old-fashioned family. Like this independent and unconventional protagonist, I wanted to pave my own way, paying homage to my culture and heritage, but fashioning my life in my own terms.
Mirta Ines Trupp
I'm just seeing this Joanne! I'm THRILLED that you enjoyed it. I saw that you gave it a 5-star rating. Please let me know your thoughts! If you can post a short review here and on Amazon, that would be extremely helpful in helping me promote the book...and start thinking about the next one :-)
Mirta Ines Trupp
Hello Tsipi! Yes, my books are clean—no sexual or violent content, no foul language—but, not necessarily "frum." I would say the material is appropriate for ages 12 and above. Perhaps, before you allow students access to the books, you might want to read one or two yourself. I certainly would not wish to offend anyone or cross a line of impropriety. My books are available worldwide on Amazon. Thank you so much for considering my work and thank you for your great question! L'hitraot!
Mirta Ines Trupp
Hi Claudia! THANK YOU for your interest! I see Molly as a brilliant young woman, loving and family- oriented, but she is a bit of a control freak. She favor’s her father’s obsession with facts and spreadsheets and looks upon her mother’s love of all things spiritual and esoteric with more than just a bit of skepticism. She is loyal and determined, with a strong sense of right and wrong. Her weakness stems from fear, which unquestionably is the motivating factor behind her need for control. And while she can see heroic or noble characteristics in others, Molly is unable to recognize her own inherent value. She’s afraid that she doesn’t measure up! Our dear Molly, with all her education and comfortable home life, suffers from insecurity. Her fear of instability causes her to over plan and strategies. Unlike Queen Elsa, she can’t “let it go!” Being the daughter of immigrants, she is torn by the separation of her extended family and it causes her to question her parents’ decisions, as well as her own. She needs an explanation for everything; she likes things neatly squared away- wrapped up nicely with a bow, if you please.
I hope that answers your question :-) I tried to create several interesting and diverse characters; each one bringing their own individual gifts and talents to the story. Bobe Malka, the matriarch, is the epitome of elegance, wisdom. I hope she imparts a sense of constancy and respectability. Her son, Abraham provides some tension: he fears change and clings to the old ways. Josef, Molly’s great grandfather, is full of energy, ready to take on the world and claim his stake in the future. The youngest daughter, Leah, reminded me of Lydia Bennett at times. With lighthearted, teenage humor, Leah throws caution to the wind, and yet, there is a glimpse of the woman she is to become. Molly, although unquestionably knowledgeable and responsible, is the ingénue. Call her a late bloomer; it is her coming of age story. Thanks again Claudia for your great question. I do appreciate your support!
I hope that answers your question :-) I tried to create several interesting and diverse characters; each one bringing their own individual gifts and talents to the story. Bobe Malka, the matriarch, is the epitome of elegance, wisdom. I hope she imparts a sense of constancy and respectability. Her son, Abraham provides some tension: he fears change and clings to the old ways. Josef, Molly’s great grandfather, is full of energy, ready to take on the world and claim his stake in the future. The youngest daughter, Leah, reminded me of Lydia Bennett at times. With lighthearted, teenage humor, Leah throws caution to the wind, and yet, there is a glimpse of the woman she is to become. Molly, although unquestionably knowledgeable and responsible, is the ingénue. Call her a late bloomer; it is her coming of age story. Thanks again Claudia for your great question. I do appreciate your support!
Mirta Ines Trupp
Thank you Claudia. I'm so happy you enjoyed it! I loved combining my favorite subjects and creating this book. There are so few "period dramas" that incorporate Jewish themes or characters. Bobe Malka is a combination of real women that I've known with several characters from my beloved historical novels. In my mind, Bobe Malka is able to accept the "magic" of time travel because she 'is' a religious person; she is an observant Jewish woman raised by a man who was knowledgeable, as well as full of emunah (faith). If one has faith that G-d does everything for a reason- that Divine Providence is a real and true force in our lives, then one must be open to the "magic" of one's life. If Malka believed in Moses and the burning bush or the parting of the Red Sea or Miriam and her well of fresh water, then I can see her believing that her great, great-granddaughter traveled across time. Once she meets Molly, Bobe Malka understands that her descendant is on a journey; Malka doesn't question this because she doesn't question the wisdom behind the miracle. Thank you for asking an awesome question!
Mirta Ines Trupp
Oh my goodness Shira! I'm so sorry that I haven't answered your question!! Did I invite you to join the Jewish Period Drama group? You should be able to simply click on the join icon. Let me double check!
Mirta Ines Trupp
Hello! I would be delighted and am encouraged by the wording in the description..."Rabbi Malka is a gentle guide into the heart of the Torah portions...His book is a companion for readers of all levels". I fear I fall into the category of one of those readers requiring gentle guidance :-)
Mirta Ines Trupp
Hi Rivka. Thanks for visiting me on Pinterest :-)
After creating a board, I can upload pictures from my files and in the description, I can add as many hashtags as I like: #Jewish, #Jewishmemoir, #JewishArgentina etc. Or, I can search the site and add pins to my board ("borrow") from other pinners, at which time, I can edit the image description. I can personalize it with hashtags or links, or I can leave it as it is. I can also pin a web link. Notice when looking at a pin, it might say "image" or it might say "visit site". If you click on the picture, it will take you directly to the site. This is a great feature to direct people to your book's link :-)
After creating a board, I can upload pictures from my files and in the description, I can add as many hashtags as I like: #Jewish, #Jewishmemoir, #JewishArgentina etc. Or, I can search the site and add pins to my board ("borrow") from other pinners, at which time, I can edit the image description. I can personalize it with hashtags or links, or I can leave it as it is. I can also pin a web link. Notice when looking at a pin, it might say "image" or it might say "visit site". If you click on the picture, it will take you directly to the site. This is a great feature to direct people to your book's link :-)
Mirta Ines Trupp
Hello Judy. I suppose it would depend on your interest in Jewish Argentina. Are you interested in the history of the Jews in Argentina? Are in interested in the politics? Are you an academic reader or do you prefer something more light? Is "BJ" affiliated with the Reform movement or do you belong to a Conservative or Orthodox synagogue? The amount of literature pertaining to Jewish Argentina is vast, to be sure. Best regards!
Mirta Ines Trupp
I always knew I had at least one good book in me. Being inspired by the old adage, “write what you know”, how could I not? My unique background has been the ideal conversation opener on numerous occasions, including many awkward, social affairs, yet I never could get pen to paper… until the advent of a job promotion. Being the “new kid on the block,” I was once again, prompted to explain where I was from…you see, it’s my name- Mirta; the great ice-breaker. The series of questions that inevitably followed led me to explain how a “white girl with blue eyes” speaks Spanish, has Russian grandparents, and is Jewish. In between trying to settle down in a new office and adjust to new responsibilities, my co-workers pursued their line of questioning...Jews in South America? How did that happen? When they learned that my husband was from Argentina as well, they were enchanted by our long distance romance. One question led to another until one woman exclaimed, “You should write a book!” When, a few days later, she insisted that I review an article about self-publishing, my creative juices began flowing.
I had the material- fifty years’ worth at least, but creative juices or not, I struggled. I struggled with first person vs. third person, real names or fictitious, copy right regulations and the oh-so-beloved Chicago Manual of Style. I struggled to appease family members who wanted to be removed from the story line and then, complained when they were not included- Oy vey! Dios mío! Oh my goodness!
I had the material- fifty years’ worth at least, but creative juices or not, I struggled. I struggled with first person vs. third person, real names or fictitious, copy right regulations and the oh-so-beloved Chicago Manual of Style. I struggled to appease family members who wanted to be removed from the story line and then, complained when they were not included- Oy vey! Dios mío! Oh my goodness!
Mirta Ines Trupp
The inspiration for the book came about like one of my mother’s recipes…a pinch of this, a dash of that and a healthy dollop of the other. First and foremost, I wrote it for my kids; I have three adult children. My sense of family and constancy urged me to give them a tangible link- something that will forever remind them that they came from this loving, enduring stock made up of Jewish values, Russian ancestry, and Argentine culture. In addition to that rather emotionally charged statement, I was encouraged to write the story by friends, family, and strangers alike; people who have continually said that my story was unique and enlightening. Recently, I found myself whiling away a few hours on a tour bus. My fellow passengers and I engaged in customary small talk, “Where are you visiting from?” which led to, “What is your name?” which led to, “How unusual! Where are you from?” My decision to write this memoir was validated once again as two lovely ladies, both teachers and lovers of history, genealogy and romance said, “That is the greatest story I ever heard! You should write a book!” Imagine my pride and sense of accomplishment when I turned to them both and said, “I did!”
Mirta Ines Trupp
I recall the scene from the classic movie, “I Remember Mama” where the mother, at the behest of a famous, well-known author, offers her daughter expert advice, “Write what you know.” Jo and Professor Bhaer had the same conversation in “Little Women.” The amount of memoirs on the market is daunting; my wholesome story is competing with some pretty serious material in the same category, not to mention the coming-of-age vampires and charming sorcerers in other genres. My advice is to write from your heart. My book was written out of love- love for my parents and the memories we created. It was written out of love for my children and for hopefully, those yet to come. And lastly, it was written for the love of creating something enduring, something of worth… something by which to be remembered.
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