Aura Imbarus

Out of the Transylvania Night Aura Imbarus

Commendation Quotes: This gorgeous book presents an emotional journey through both free and closed societies, revealing how freedom is found in the self, not the destination." -Ilie T. Ardelean, Founding Chairman and President of Romanian-American Professional Network- RAPN "Commendation Quotes: An exciting and truly memorable search for personal freedom." -Dr Alexander R. Marmureanu, Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, CEO California Heart and Lung Surgery Center, UCLA Medical Center" Commendation Quotes: To remember is a tedious, hurtful process, especially if you lived what us Romanians did. Many of us prefer to forget and to erase, once for all, those humiliating memories. But, can you really annul your childhood? Aura's capacity to remember and to dream makes this a book for all who one point or another, need to restart or reboot their lives-and in her case, to find a new country to call 'home'." -Daniela Crasnaru, famous Romanian poet "Commendation Quotes: Out of the Transylvania Night is a testament to the majesty of the human spirit to see how far we will go to triumph over oppression adversity...we are better for the journey through her book.-"Catalina Popescu, Jazz muscian"Commendation Quotes: Unforgettable, giving the pioneer spirit courage and a brave heart bravado. -Adrian Maher, Documentary Filmmaker, Discovery Channel Review Quotes: This book is sure to find its place in memorial literature of the world. -Beatrice Ungar, Editor in chief, Hermannstaadter ZeitungCommendation Quotes: If you grew up hearing names like Tito, Mao and Ceausescu but really didn't understand their significance, read this book! -Mark Skidmore, Paramount PicturesCommendation Quotes: A remarkable account erasing a past, but not an identity. Thought-provoking, inspirational, and comforting. -Todd Greenfield, 20th Century Fox StudiosCommendation Quotes: This book is sure to find its place in memorial literature of the world. -Beatrice Ungar, Editor in Chief, "Hermannstadter Zeitung """Commendation Quotes: "Out of the Transylvania Night" reveals, beyond all doubt, the power and range of an individual's voice to be heard above the noise of dissent and the struggle to reign over oppression. And where personal love wins at all costs." -Dr Rajen Vurdien, VP, Saddleback College "Commendation Quotes: We Americans have much to learn about freedom, and I've always contended that naturalized Americans have a much deeper appreciation for this country than those of us born here. This book will help us see a story about pain, strength, courage, defiance and healing." David Haspel, Haspel Communications Inc, Film Producer"Brief Description: To eighteen-year-old Aura Imbarus, Communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu had turned Romania into a land of zombies as surely as if Count Dracula had sucked its lifeblood. Yet Aura dares to be herself: an optimistic overachiever, heiress to lands confiscated by the regime, and a rebel among the gray-clad, fearful masses. Christmas shopping in 1989, Aura and her parents draw sniper fire as Romania descends into the violence of a revolution that topples one of the most draconian regimes in the Soviet bloc. They hide heirloom jewels and build barricades against five harrowing days of chaos. With a bit of Hungarian mysticism in her blood, astonishingly accurate visions lead Aura into danger as well as a closer connection with the love of her life, handsome and sophisticated Michael Chiorean. Eventually, Aura and Michael marry and flee a homeland still in chaos. With only two pieces of luggage and a powerful dream, they settle in Los Angeles where freedom and sudden wealth challenge their love as powerfully as Communist tyranny. Aura loses her psychic vision. Heirloom jewels are stolen, a fortune is lost, followed by divorce and a death. Reeling at first, Aura and Michael find their way back to each other, this time with joy and the true freedom they discover within. They've paid a high price for their materialistic dreams, but gain a love that is far richer in this deftly written memoir of the heart, identity, and the human spirit. Commendation Quotes: Aura's courage shows the degree to which we are all willing to live lives centered on freedom, hope, and an authentic sense of self. Truly a love story! -Nadia Comaneci, Olympic Champion Unforgettable, giving the pioneer spirit courage and a brave heart bravado. -Adrian Maher, Documentary Filmmaker, Discovery Channel If you grew up hearing names like Tito, Mao, and Ceausescu but really didn't understand their significance, read this book! -Mark Skidmore, Paramount Pictures A remarkable account erasing a past, but not an identity. Thought -provoking, inspirational, and comforting. -Todd Greenfield, 20th Century Fox This book is sure to find its place in memorial literature of the world. -Beatrice Ungar, Editor in chief, Hermannstadter Zeitung I congratulate Aura for this beautiful and courageous book, one that readily showcases the beauty and richness of this culture and people. - Mike Costache, Pres., Miss Universe Romania Organization "Out of the Transylvania Night" is a compelling and spelling-binding story of a fiercely independent young woman growing up at the height of worldwide Communist power and then the rapid fall of the Iron Curtain. We must never forget what her story ultimately teaches . . .-Sharrie Williams, author, "The Maybelline Story-and the Spirited Family Dynasty behind It" Under Communism, Aura's family lost its fortune but kept their jewels. Under capitalism, she made a fortune and lost the jewels. And then lost the fortune as well. Such is the paradox found within the pages of this amazing and unforgettable story.-Lindy Hudis, producer, IMPACT Motion Pictures We all have much to learn about freedom; certainly anyone born without it will search until they find it. This is an incredible story about pain, strength, courage, defiance, and healing.-David Haspel, producer "Out of the Transylvania Night" presents an emotional journey through both free and closed societies, revealing how freedom is also found in the self and not only the destination. -Ilie T. Ardelean, founding chairman and president, Romanian-American Professional Network (RAPN) "Out of the Transylvania Night" is an exciting and truly memorable search for personal freedom. -Alexander R. Marmureanu, MD, president and CEO, California Heart and Lung Surgery Center, UCLA Medical Center Review Quotes: "If you grew up hearing names like Tito, Mao, and Ceausescu, but really didn't understand their significance, read this book!" -- Mark Skidmore, Paramount PicturesReview Quotes: If you grew up hearing names like Tito, Mao, and Ceausescu but really didn't understand their significance, read this book! -Mark Skidmore, Paramount PicturesReview Quotes: Aura's courage shows the degree to which we are all willing to live lives centered on freedom, hope, and an authentic sense of self. Truly a love story! -Nadia Comaneci, Olympic gold medalistTable of Contents: Acknowledgements -- Foreword / Dumitru Ciocoi-Pop, PhD -- Part I. The Transylvania Night -- 1. The Eyes of Sibiu -- 2. Heirlooms -- 3. Boot Prints -- 4. Up for Grabs -- 5. A Hole in the Flag -- 6. The Mercenary -- 7. The Alienated Ones -- 8. Christmas Eve at the Morgue -- 9. Crossfire -- 10. Meet Me Tonight -- 11. The Pool -- 12. Red Christmas -- 13. Whatever It Takes -- Part II. After the Bleakest Night -- 14. The Old Imbarus -- 15. Fata Morgana -- 16. The Return of the Rebel -- 17. A Man of Sophistication -- 18. Green Power -- 19. The Proposal -- 20. Jazz Festival -- 21. The Twin Sisters -- 22. Palm Trees -- 23. The Bureaucratic Procedures -- 24. And Now, I Leave You -- 25. Wings -- Part III. Dawn -- 26. New Day Dawning -- 27. The Reality of Paradise -- 28. The Hoop-Jumper -- 29. Teaching in a War Zone -- 30. The Last Glorious Summer -- 31. Diandra (or Eliazar) -- 32. A Year in the Navel of the Universe -- 33. The Family Jewels -- 34. Losses on Paper -- 35. Three to Six Months -- 36. Rivulets -- 37. Out of the Transylvania Night -- Epilogue: Los Angeles-Summer 2010 -- Book Group Discussion Questions. Review Quotes: "Aura's courage shows the degree to which we are all willing to live lives centered on freedom, hope, and an authentic sense of self. Truly a love story! " -- Nadia Comaneci, Olympic gold medalistCommendation Quotes: Aura's courage shows the degree to which we are all willing to live lives centered on freedom, hope, and an authentic sense of self. Truly a love story! Nadia Comaneci, Olympic Champion Unforgettable, giving the pioneer spirit courage and a brave heart bravado. Adrian Maher, Documentary Filmmaker, Discovery Channel If you grew up hearing names like Tito, Mao, and Ceausescu but really didn't understand their significance, read this book! Mark Skidmore, Paramount Pictures A remarkable account erasing a past, but not an identity. Thought -provoking, inspirational, and comforting. Todd Greenfield, 20th Century Fox This book is sure to find its place in memorial literature of the world. Beatrice Ungar, Editor in chief, Hermannstadter Zeitung I congratulate Aura for this beautiful and courageous book, one that readily showcases the beauty and richness of this culture and people. Mike Costache, Pres., Miss Universe Romania Organization Out of the Transylvania Night is a compelling and spelling-binding story of a fiercely independent young woman growing up at the height of worldwide Communist power and then the rapid fall of the Iron Curtain. We must never forget what her story ultimately teaches. Sharrie Williams, author, The" Maybelline Story and the Spirited Family Dynasty behind It " Under Communism, Aura's family lost its fortune but kept their jewels. Under capitalism, she made a fortune and lost the jewels. And then lost the fortune as well. Such is the paradox found within the pages of this amazing and unforgettable story. Lindy Hudis, producer, IMPACT Motion Pictures We all have much to learn about freedom; certainly anyone born without it will search until they find it. This is an incredible story about pain, strength, courage, defiance, and healing. David Haspel, producer "Out of the Transylvania Night" presents an emotional journey through both free and closed societies, revealing how freedom is also found in the self and not only the destination. Ilie T. Ardelean, founding chairman and president, Romanian-American Professional Network (RAPN) "Out of the Transylvania Night" is an exciting and truly memorable search for personal freedom. Alexander R. Marmureanu, MD, president and CEO, California Heart and Lung Surgery Center, UCLA Medical Center"Out of the Transylvania Night" is a deeply moving account of one woman's search for her own identity, firstly under the Communist dictatorship of the ruthlessly oppressive Ceausescu, and, later, as she struggles to maintain her integrity in the face of overwhelming materialism. -Louise Henderson, bookpleasures.com. Publisher Marketing: In an epic tale of identity and the indomitable human spirit, Out of The TRANSYLVANIA NIGHT explores tyranny, freedom, love, success, and the price paid for misaligned dreams. An incredibly powerful memoir. "I'd grown up in the land of TRANSYLVANIA, homeland to Dracula, Vlad the Impaler, and, worse, the Communist dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu-who turned Romania into a land of gray-clad zombies who never dared to show their individuality, and where neighbors became informants, and the Securitate made people disappear. Daylight empowered the regime to encircle us like starved wolves, and so night had always been the time to steal a bit of freedom. As if bred into our Transylvanian blood, we were like vampires who came to life after sundown. I buried the family jewels, tucked the flag into my sweater and left my outpost to join the action . . . tonight Ceausescu would die!" Known for using stand-ins to pose for him, Aura doubts if it was even Ceausescu himself who was killed that night. Nevertheless, when her countrymen topple one of the most draconian regimes in the Soviet bloc, Aura Imbarus tells herself that life post-revolution will be different. But little in the country changes. With two pieces of luggage and a powerful dream, Aura and her new husband flee to America. Through sacrifice and hard work, the couple acquire a home, cars, and travel-but trying to be Americans is much more complicated than they expect. More difficulties set in: the stock market crash takes their savings, house, and cars; thieves steal three centuries' worth of heirloom jewels; and Aura's beloved mother dies. Aura's marriage crumbles under the stress. Devastated, she asks herself, "How much of one's life is owed to others?" Tested even further by the vagaries of fate, Aura discovers a startling truth about striking a balance between one's dreams and the sacrifices and compromises that allow for serenity, selfhood, and lasting love. More resolution comes when in 2010, Ceausescu's body is exhumed to answer questions of a cover-up, and Aura can finally lay to rest the haunting mysteries of her past. Associated Press broke news of former communist Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu being exhumed to answer questions of a cover-up: .http: //news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100721/ap_on_re_eu/eu_romania_ceausescu_exhumed Aura's courage shows the degree to which we are all willing to live lives centered on freedom, hope, and an authentic sense of self. Truly a love story! -Nadia Comaneci, Olympic Champion and Co-Founder of the Nadia Comaneci Children's Clinic in Bucharest Unforgettable...it gives the pioneer spirit and courage to be outraged in the face of injustice, and the heart bravado in making change in the world.-Adrian Maher, Documentary Filmmaker, Discovery Channel A compelling story of a fiercely independent young woman growing up at the height of world wide Communist power and then rapid fall of the Iron Curtain. If you grew up hearing names like Tito, Mao and Ceausescu but really didn't understand their significance: READ THIS BOOK!-Mark Skidmore, Paramount Pictures A remarkable account erasing a past, but not an identity. Thought-provoking, inspirational, and comforting-Todd Greenfield, 20th Century Fox Studios Aura's book reveals a very personal but intense description of the life in Romania before and after the Romanian Revolution of 1989. This makes it a contribution to find out beyond historical studies, what happened to and with the people there. This book is sure to find its place in memorial literature of the world. -Beatrice Ungar, Editor in chief, Hermannstadter Zeitung ABOUT THE AUTHOR Aura Imbarus, PhD, is a former popular journalist in Europe, and co-founder and ambassador of the Romanian-American Professional Network (RAPN). She is also president of EuroCircle." Contributor Bio:  Imbarus, Aura Aura Imbarus, PhD, is a former popular journalist in Europe, university professor, speaker, and award-winning educator. She is co-founder and ambassador of the Romanian-American Professional Network (RAPN) and the president of its Los Angeles chapter. She is also president of EuroCircle's Los Angeles chapter. Aura was born in Sibiu, Romania. Educated at the famed Octavian Goga High School, she earned a Bachelor's Degree in English and Modern Languages and an MA in English Literature at Lucian Blaga University in Sibiu, Transylvania, Romania. She earned her PhD in Romance Languages-Philology under the tutelage of Professor Dumitru Cicio-Pop, PhD, who writes the Foreword for her book. (Dr. Ciocoi-Pop is former president of Lucian Blaga University and Professor of American and British Studies. A popular activist for human rights, he was imprisoned for two years for speaking out against the Communist regime.) Aura is currently an educator in the Los Angeles school system and a professor in the California college system. She lives in Los Angeles. To contact: www. AuraImbarus.com or www. TransylvaniaNight.com. Contributor Bio:  Ciocoi-Pop, Dumitru The alluring appeal of examining one's past resides precisely in its temporal and spatial distance, and choosing to reevaluate, relive, and sometimes even to re-construct it can be a two-edged sword. Is self-awareness worth the struggle for existence in the spiritual purgatory of revisiting the past? It certainly is, if we are to trust Aura Imbarus, for whom not only a life's journey, but also a heart's quest ends in the timeless realization that 'truth is all things; and of all things, self is the truth of each' (The Upanishads, 2.1.20). In sum, not only time's perception, but also one's freedom, springs from the self, not merely as a mental construct or illusion meant to alleviate the daily struggle, but as a proof that the only type of reality we can objectively analyze is that of our consciousness. In our time of blogs, chats, forums, and personal web pages, of talk shows, call-in-shows, and reality shows, one might be tempted to think that a literary genre such as the memoir would no longer do justice to the voyeurism of the average consumer of entertainment. Our homes and minds are constantly flooded with bits and pieces of other people's existence, the result being a disturbing "menage a l'infini" where everything is displayed and ridiculed. Who, we may wonder, would be still willing to read a memoir with everyone from Hollywood top-rankers to New Jersey young folks putting their trivial daily routine on display? Why bother to read books when there is MySpace, Jerry Springer, and Oprah to do away with our hankering after panem et circenses? The only answer I can give is: for the necessity of genuine sharing. What many of us can witness is the seemingly endless playacting, deceiving, and faking that pervade our daily existence. We are so obsessed with being natural that we become increasingly artificial. It seems that the more we try to get rid of our masks, the more they become part of us until we cannot tell what is true self and what is artificial construct. In Aura Imbarus's literary confession the genuine represents the perspective forming experience of the entire story, which unfolds naturally and convincingly, offering insight not only into social and political realities unfamiliar to the average American reader, but also into the mysteries and strivings of the female heart. "Out of the Transylvania Night" can be read and enjoyed by women as well as by men, by teenagers and by adults, because it deals with the eternal and essential strivings of the human heart, 'in conflict with itself, ' as William Faulkner would say. Millions of people have directly experienced Communist realities, but there has been only one Solzhenitsyn. Millions have pursued the American Dream, but fewer have grasped its essence. And even more people have tried to make other people relate to their experience, but only very few have actually managed to make the string of collective human spirituality vibrate by means of an individual account of vast suffering. This is undoubtedly the fundamental merit of Aura Imbarus's literary journey into the past. Highly personalized and touching upon issues unfamiliar to many of its potential readers, this engrossing book deals with experiences, conflicts, thoughts, longings, strivings, disappointment and rebirth that are part of the collective human heritage. The longing for freedom is not necessarily more acute in a communist country than in any other country. Because real freedom, the one the author attains, comes with self-awareness and is not time- or space-dependent. At the end of the book, Aura Imbarus reaches the awareness that, just like happiness, fulfillment, hope, or emotional balance, freedom, too, is a spiritual construct which breaks away from external circumstances, or the objective reality. We cannot but agree with the author that such an individualized form of collective freedom is the crowning of all eternal human strivings for liberty. And although sometimes fate may brutally decide that some of us be born in prisons, we can choose to be reborn free, through the far-reaching love of freedom which can make us endure and prevail. "Out of the Transylvania Night" offers you a rewarding opportunity to look for better self-awareness in other people's otherness. Note: Romanian personality Dumitru Ciocoi-Pop, PhD, is former president of Lucian Blaga University, Sibiu, Transylvania, and Professor of American and British Studies at the same institution. A beloved international advisor and popular activist for human rights, Dr. Dumitru Ciocoi-Pop was imprisoned for two years for speaking out against the Communist regime.