Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Freshly out of college, shy and introverted Brian Preston travels from LA to Budapest to teach English, ready to embrace life and spread his wings. It's early December, and the air is heavy with the scent of roasting chestnuts. Getting involved with his new roommate, native Hungarian Zoli Park, promises to be the adventure Brian always wanted. But all is not as it seems, and Brian might find himself in the arms of Krampusz, demonic companion to St. Nick, who punishes bad boys.

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2014 Advent Calendar package "Celebrate!".

Book Review

When Brian Preston, of 'Krampusz' by Lou Harper, leaves for Budapest, Hungary, his best friend Kate gives him some sound advice. She makes Brian promise to go out and make friends and have adventures instead of hiding in his books. Brian is shy and non-assertive; he often settles rather than reaching out for more. Brian is excited about his new job teaching English in a country halfway round the world. The best part of it is that he didn't have to interview for the position. Brian is much better at writing than he is face-to-face with someone. His shyness leaves him embarrassingly tongue-tied and causes him to feel inferior. When he meets his Hungarian roommate, Zoli, short for Zolta´n, it's not the warm reception he's hoping for; but it's at least neutral. The next day, Brian strikes off on his own, taking in the local culture, enjoying it, but feeling more like a foreigner than ever. He thinks about what Kate said and “decides that even he can have an adventure” in Budapest.

Finally, Zoli starts to loosen up. They talk about their education and their plans for the future. Zoli echoes Kate's advice by telling Brian he should travel; Brian considers it. Zoli sets up the computer for Brian and gives him the password which is Krampusz. Brian asks for the definition but Zoli tells him it would be easier to show him. They make plans to meet the next day in the nearby marketplace. Instead of looking it up, Brian decides to wait and let Zoli show him instead. In his wildest dreams, Brian never would he have expected Krampusz to be three men dressed as if it were Halloween. The three monsters run around pretending to scare people, but it's more light-hearted than frightening. Brian is shocked when one of them smacks him on the butt. He quickly realizes that it's Zoli. Later Zoli goes into a detailed history of the holiday and how it's changed over the years. One similarity between their holiday and our Christmas is that children put their boots in the window instead of stockings on the fireplace. Also, Hungarian parents warn their children that if they don't behave they won't get presents, just as we are told about Santa and his naughty and nice list. Zoli and Brian then go home and give each other a present far better than anything Mikula´s, their equivalent of Santa Claus, could ever give.

Lou has done a wonderful job of combining a love story with a glorious explanation of the wintertime festivity Krampusz. Even in such a short story, Lou also has some unexpected twists and turns. Lou's offbeat humor is also evident, causing me to chuckle, i.e., Zoli: “So what brought you to Budapest?” Brian: “A Boeing 747...” I mentally supplied the ba dum tsh sound effect which usually accompanies such an obvious reply. Thanks, Lou, for teaching me how to spell Krampusz and for the entertaining and enlightening holiday love story.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Short Story, 31 pages/8670 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	01-December-2014
Price	$1.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/krampusz-by-lou-harper-5469-b