Following a discovery of important historic artefacts, his researching led him to write ‘Józefa’s Letters’ - a book that tells the personal and human story of the discovery of his exiled ancestor collection of original letters written from Kazakhstan in 1940. The letter's and their content represent the fate of millions deported and forcibly resettled.

This year, the results of his research has led to exhibitions in Lithuania and Hungary with more planned for next year. Michael’s exhibition ‘Józefa’s Letters - Extraction from Oblivion’ is currently on show at the Shoah Cellar Museum, Budapest. He is currently adapting the story for stage and screen and would welcome any assistance or inquires. www.jozefasletters.com

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
I arrived in Hungary just over a month ago to prepare for the opening of my exhibition which is being hosted by a museum here.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
I lived in Berlin for one year whilst undertaking the research for my book.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
A calm confidence about the people, the beauty about the city of Budapest and an open encouragement for Artists to be Artists.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
If they can get up early enough, to see the Citadel and Buda illuminated by the sunrise and then get to the citadel for sunset to see the illumination of Pest!

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Goulash soup with spicy paprika on the side!

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Kefir

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
Csodálatos! - Wonderful!

8. What do you miss the most from home?
Seeing my nieces

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Fast jet test pilot

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
Taxidermist

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Greece, helping a friend make a film about his ancestors who’s origins are from the Island of Kythera.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
I will be visiting Kazakhstan to undertake research connected to my exhibition but to also explore this curiously massive country.

13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
The Beatles inspired to learn to play guitar and write music which I do to this day

14. Apart of temptation what can't you resist?
85% dark chocolate

15. Red wine or white?
Hungarian wines are such that you are compelled to like both!

16. Book or movie?
Movie

17. Morning person or night person?
Night person

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
Rights for refugees

19. Buda side or Pest side?
It’s all happening in Pest!

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
A man can meet his destiny on the road he took to avoid it. (Jean de La Fontaine)