Now Available! Get it on Amazon!
A year ago, the January cover of our magazine featured Evgenia Aronova
(JEKA)—a vibrant and extraordinary individual with a multitude of talents:
composer, poet, singer-songwriter, actress, and scriptwriter. And now, Evgenia
has surprised us with yet another incredible achievement—her debut novel, "The
Heritage", has been published! This is a remarkable milestone
for Evgenia and a significant event in our cultural life.
– Evgenia, we announced your book “The
Heritage” a year ago when it was in its final stages of preparation
for publication. I must say, I am thrilled after reading it. The novel is both
captivating and insightful, with an engaging plot that combines true stories
with fantasy, mysticism with reality, and folklore with contemporary themes. I
can’t wait to find out how it ends! But what truly makes the book special is
how it unveils the history of Bukharian Jews, a narrative unfamiliar to many
readers. Was it easy to write about your heritage, or was it the opposite?
– Seventeen years ago, I wrote about 270 pages in just one year,
effortlessly and with great passion. My husband loved the idea of the book, but
he asked me to change one thing—the references to Jews. He said, “We are
not loved. Don’t write about Jews.” Similar advice came pouring in from
all sides. So, I removed all mentions of Jews, rabbis, and the Torah. But when
I tried to continue writing, it didn’t flow. I hit a complete literary block.
For twelve years, I searched for inspiration, longing to rediscover the focus
and ease with which I had written before, but I couldn’t. Dina Rubina once
wrote to me, “Perhaps your story isn’t needed by anyone.” I didn’t
fully grasp her words until I personally encountered antisemitism again.
Suddenly, I felt a fiery urge to shout out to the world, to reveal the truth,
to open people’s eyes. I realized that the fictional story about Jews I was
trying to write was not the story I had started this journey for. As Dina had
said, it truly wasn’t needed by anyone. What was needed was a real
story about Jews! I restored the Jewish foundation in my book, breathed life
back into it, and then it just flowed… This time, I wrote even faster and with
greater passion, finishing the novel in just one year.
– Have you received any feedback on your book?
– One of the most provocative critics, radio host Seva Kaplan, said, “This
book brilliantly captures the culture and psychology of Bukharian Jews.
Compared to it, The Da Vinci Code takes a backseat.” Radio host and
Brooklyn Assemblyman Mikhail Novakhov wrote, “Prepare for a unique odyssey
into the roots and values of humanity.” The book also received praise from
Aron Aronov and Boris Kandov.
– Where can our readers purchase "The
Heritage"?
– The book is available on Amazon, at the Boris Productions store (64-49 108th
St, Forest Hills, NY), and on my website, www.jekaentertainment.com.
An audiobook will be released soon, and I have already been invited to speak on
radio and television. The book’s premiere event will take place on January 26
at 11 a.m. at the Bukharian Jewish Community Center.
– Evgenia, would you like to share a message with your potential
readers?
– I hope readers will understand and appreciate my primary goal: to be heard,
to share the story of my people, and to tell my truth. I thank you for your
support and for purchasing my book, which I promise will bring you immense
emotions and grant me the joy of being an author.
Hurry and get your copy of “The Heritage”—for yourself and as a gift for family and friends!
