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Quote by Elizabeth Kostova

“...The strange thing, you know, is that Stalin openly admired Ivan the Terrible. Two leaders who were willing to crush and kill their own people-to do anything necessary- in order to consolidate their power...Can you imagine a world in which Stalin could live for five hundred years...or perhaps forever?”

Quote by Elizabeth Kostova

Book:The Historian
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Work

The Historian

In this gripping narrative, the protagonist embarks on a journey that blurs the line between fact and fiction, as they uncover a family secret that spans centuries and is deeply rooted in historical events. more

Author

Elizabeth Kostova
Elizabeth Kostova

Elizabeth Kostova, born on December 26, 1964, is a renowned author known for her rich imagination and profound literary connotations. Her works have won the hearts of readers worldwide. more

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“Autumn comes early to the foot of the Slovenian Alps. Even before September, the abundant harvests are followed by a sudden poignant rain that lasts for days and brings down leaves in the lanes of the village. Now, in my fifties, I find myself wandering that direction every few years, reliving my first glimpse of the Slovenian countryside. This is old country. Every autumn mellows it a little more, in aeternum, each beginning with the same three colors: a green landscape, two or three yellow leaves falling through a gray afternoon. I suppose the Romans - who left their walls here and their gargantuan arenas to the west, on the coast - saw the same autumn and gave the same shiver. When my father's car swung through the gates of the oldest of Julian cities, I hugged myself. For the first time, I had been struck by the excitement of the traveler who looks history in her subtle face.”

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“Privindu-l pe cronicar, mila îmi creştea în suflet din nou, rămuroasă, deasă şi înfiorată ca un tufiş fabulos, înfigându-şi rădăcinile prin străfundurile întunecate ale amintirilor mele, prin acele straturi uitate, de omeneşti datorii, până în mâlurile lunecoase ale neputinţei şi resemnării, vârstate cu fluturii şi şerpii de lumină ai îndurării şi ruşinii.”

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“Şi-a nins apoi mereu, iarnă de iarnă , un fulg, mii, stoluri de mii, întuneric alb şi imens de năluciri aparent imateriale căzând şi amestecându-se încă din plutirea lor rânduită şi iute-pieritoare cu însăşi vieţile şi gândurile oamenilor de pe acest pământ iubit şi frumos, lacom de rod şi linişte, de-nţelepciune şi-nnoire, de dăruiri şi perenitate...”

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“Harper walked over to her reception desk. “What’s with the Tyson look-alikes out there? I almost couldn’t get in here.” Pixie frowned. “Better go ask your boy-o. Famous rock star in the house.” Pixie accentuated her comment with the poke of her pen. Jeez, he was huge. And built. And shirtless. Okay, enough staring. Well, maybe just for another second. Trent was leaning over the guy, and she could tell from the wide-reaching spread of purple transfer lines that he was just beginning a sleeve on the other man’s lower arm. The guy in the chair might well be a rock star— although Harper would never admit she had no clue who he was— but he was wincing. Harper could totally feel for him. Trent was in his usual position— hat on backward, gloves on, and perched on a stool. Harper approached them nervously. The big guy’s size and presence were a little intimidating. “I don’t bite.” Oh God. He was talking to her. “Excuse me?” He sucked air in between clenched teeth. “I said I don’t bite. You can come closer.” His blue eyes were sparkling as he studied her closely. Trent looked up. “Hey, darlin’,” he said, putting the tattoo machine down and reaching for her hand. “Dred, this is my girl, Harper. Harper, this is Dred Zander from the band Preload. He’s one of the other judges I told you about.” Wow. Not that she knew much about the kind of music that Trent listened to, but even she had heard of Preload. That certainly explained the security outside. Dred reached out his hand and shook hers. “Nice to meet you, Harper. And a pity. For a minute, I thought you were coming over to see me.” “No,” Harper exclaimed quickly, looking over at Trent, who was grinning at her. “I mean, no, I was just bringing Trent some cookies.” Holy shit. Was she really that lame? It was like that moment in Dirty Dancing when Baby told Johnny she carried a watermelon. Dred turned and smiled enigmatically at Trent. “I see what you mean, man.” “Give.” Smiling, Trent held out his hand. Reaching inside her bag, she pulled out the cookies and handed the container to him. “Seriously, dude, she’s the best fucking cook on the planet.” Trent paused to take a giant bite. “You got to try one,” he mumbled, offering the container over. Harper watched, mortified, as a modern-day rock legend bit into one of her cookies. Dred chewed and groaned. “These are almost as good as sex.” Harper laughed. “Not quite,” Trent responded, giving her a look that made her burn. “You should try her pot roast. Could bring a grown man to his knees.”

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Book:The Strongest Steel
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“She looked at the strong hand holding hers. “Oh my goodness, what did you do?” Harper asked, eyebrows raised and mouth open as she studied the cuts and bruises. “Had a conversation with a streetlight once you got into the cab,” he said, pulling her closer to him. “I’m sorry, Trent. I really am. If I blew you and me because of all this, I get it and I don’t blame you. I’m done running. I’m done being scared. I’m done doubting whether you and your friends will help me if I need it. I am done with everything except being in love with you. I—” Harper was flipped onto her back and underneath Trent in the blink of an eye. “Say it again.” His dark eyes were fierce as he held each side of her face in his big, safe hands. “I’m sorry, I—” “No.” He cut her off. “Not that part. The ‘I love you’ part.” “I love you.” Harper had barely gotten the words out of her mouth before Trent’s lips descended on hers. Their mouths clashed together, banging teeth before soothing bitten lips with soft tongues. Trent pulled away, taking a deep breath before staring deep into her eyes. Harper could feel his very soul merging with hers. “I love you, Harper. Everything else is details. A lot of fucking details, granted, but just details.”

LoveDetailsHarper And Trent
Book:The Strongest Steel
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“Pulling back, he gave her a little space and grinned as she found her balance again. “Do you think that will ever get old?” Harper asked with an embarrassed blush. “Christ, I hope not. Just remember how you feel right now because you might be really mad at me in about one minute.” “Uh-oh. I don’t think I like the sound of that.” Harper raised an eyebrow at him. He took her hand and led her toward the studio before pulling her in front of him, her back to his chest. It was the safest position to avoid a kick in the nuts and the best position to block a fast escape. He felt Harper’s quick intake of breath as she turned to face him with a hand over her mouth. “What did you do?” she said through her fingers. “Happy birthday, sweetheart.” He pushed her through the door as everyone inside shouted, “Surprise!”

SurpriseKissesHarper And Trent
Book:The Strongest Steel
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“You should go home and get some sleep,” Harper said drowsily, letting the pain medication help take her under. Trent stood up, lowered the head of the gurney, and lifted Harper’s head to fluff the pillow before gently lowering her back down. “I’ll see you in the morning,” Harper said, refusing to acknowledge the fear she suddenly felt at being left alone. The light went off in the room and Harper’s heart started to race. She needed the light on. The mattress sagged as Trent sat down on the side of the bed. She felt him lean forward and heard him kick off his shoes. He pulled his legs up onto the single gurney and lay down on his side, carefully putting his arm around her. The warmth of his breath behind her ear, the sweetness of his lips against her skin eased the pressure she’d felt building inside. “Yeah, you will, darlin’. I’ll be right here.”

Harper And Trent
Book:The Strongest Steel
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“Trent,” Harper choked, “Is … Is Anton okay?” Her voice was hoarse, reminding her of the red marks that the doctor had told her covered the outside of her throat. “He’s fine, Harper. A bit shook up— he’s a hero. Ran straight to Frankie’s. Gave the police all kinds of details.” Trent squeezed her hand hard. “Christ, Harper, when Frankie called and told me Nathan had abducted … abducted…” The word stuck, and Harper’s resolve not to cry wavered as tears filled Trent’s eyes. He dropped his head gently onto Harper’s stomach and wrapped his arms around her, softly, and she was filled with gratitude that she was still here with him. “I’m fine, Trent,” she soothed, running her fingers through his hair. “I was scared shitless, but I had something to live for.” “I’m sorry I didn’t get there sooner. I love you, sweetheart. More than you can possibly know.” “I know, baby,” she cried, finally letting go in front of him. “I love you, too.” When her tears turned into full-blown sobs, Trent gathered her gently into his arms so they could comfort each other.”

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Book:The Strongest Steel
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