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The True
THE TRUE is a narrative non-fiction book that recounts the real story of Sarah Kornfeld's search for the truth about the death of her lover and dear friend in Bucharest, Romania, and the con artist who took her on a two-year journey away from the truth.
Alexandru “Ducu” Darie was a world-renowned theater director who died of mysterious causes in 2019. When Sarah Kornfeld went to explore his death she met a young woman who could "prove" she was Darie's girlfriend, who swore there had been foul play. With the help of the young woman, and over a two-year period, Kornfeld investigated his death, wrote a book about Darie, three screenplays, and believed she signed deals with Netflix and Disney. Kornfeld interacted with people claiming to be Diana Ross, Tracee Ellis Ross, Robert Iger, and more, all to come face to face with her own longing for the unanswered questions about her lover's death the explosion of nationalism around the world. Yet, what was fiction? What was theater? What was true?
Alexandru “Ducu” Darie was a world-renowned theater director who died of mysterious causes in 2019. When Sarah Kornfeld went to explore his death she met a young woman who could "prove" she was Darie's girlfriend, who swore there had been foul play. With the help of the young woman, and over a two-year period, Kornfeld investigated his death, wrote a book about Darie, three screenplays, and believed she signed deals with Netflix and Disney. Kornfeld interacted with people claiming to be Diana Ross, Tracee Ellis Ross, Robert Iger, and more, all to come face to face with her own longing for the unanswered questions about her lover's death the explosion of nationalism around the world. Yet, what was fiction? What was theater? What was true?
Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2021
5 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Kornfeld
3 books2 followersSarah Kornfeld is an American author, playwright, and producer. Her play, THE LOVEDEATH OF CLOWNS was produced at the iconic Theater For The New City in New York. Her debut novel, WHAT STELLA SEES was published in 2018 and received high praise in the United States and the United Kingdom. Her writing has been featured in independent literary journals including Vol.1 Brooklyn, Largehearted Boy, and Heavy Feather Review.
Her forthcoming narrative non-fiction book, THE TRUE is published by Editura Integral and will be launched at the National Theater Festival of Bucharest/UNITER in November of 2021. The True is being published in Romanian, English, and French. The book will be solid in a box-set of all three languages in 2021-2022 with the title, “The True: A Trilogy of Ghosts”.
Sarah was born and raised in the experimental theater of New York City where she performed with the Judson Poets Theater, The Bread and Puppet Theater, and The Ridiculous Theatrical Company. She is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College where she studied writing (poetry and prose with Kate Knapp Johnson) and choreography (master teachers Viola Farber and Bill T. Jones). She received professional training at The Royal Court Theater in London.
Her forthcoming narrative non-fiction book, THE TRUE is published by Editura Integral and will be launched at the National Theater Festival of Bucharest/UNITER in November of 2021. The True is being published in Romanian, English, and French. The book will be solid in a box-set of all three languages in 2021-2022 with the title, “The True: A Trilogy of Ghosts”.
Sarah was born and raised in the experimental theater of New York City where she performed with the Judson Poets Theater, The Bread and Puppet Theater, and The Ridiculous Theatrical Company. She is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College where she studied writing (poetry and prose with Kate Knapp Johnson) and choreography (master teachers Viola Farber and Bill T. Jones). She received professional training at The Royal Court Theater in London.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 16, 2022
This one feels like I walked in on the funeral of someone I’d never met.
There’s a compelling story here, but I don’t think Kornfeld really tells it. Either that, or I’m just less interested in the one she does tell.
I was excited to read this because, as the back cover promises. It’s the story of an American woman dealing with the memory of her dead former lover in Romania. She experiences much of it on-line and, when she does visit the country, in a whirlwind of not-quite-getting-the-picture.
The story that we do get is either too abstract for my taste – lots of generalized impressions about Ducu as a director, as a bon vivant, as a lover – or too much in the vein of Karl Ove Knausgaard, with so much of quotidian detail that it overwhelms a sense of narrative. (I do like Knausgaard more than this, but I confess I’m not as impressed as most people seem to be.)
It’s moving in places to read about Kornfeld ‘s sense of loss. She hadn’t been with Ducu for more than 20 years, so his death marked the loss of a youthful moment when the world felt very different from one that could have elected a Donald Trump. But too, I feel, she tells of emotions that I’d prefer to see her show. I push my students to work in the concrete when they write, and I want to push Korneld in the same way.
And it’s interesting at times to see how she related to Anya, the self-described young and final lover of Ducu. Anya serves as her Romanian tour guide and shows her the remnants of Ducu’s world, a tour originally conducted over the internet and only eventually in person.
[SPOILER:] The real story here, though, gets revealed only at the end. It turns out that Anya is catfishing Kornfeld. Anya barely knew Ducu at all, but – learning that Kornfeld was planning a book about the man – reached out to Kornfeld and managed to extort a lot of money (by Romanian standards).
The con is a big deal. At one point, Kornfeld believes she is going to have one of her books adapted for a movie that will star Diana Ross and her daughter Tracee Ellis Ross. She thinks she’s corresponding with Bob Iger and Ross, and – as the novel opens – thinks she’s about to be picked up by helicopter for a studio meeting.
We get that reveal in only the final pages, though, and it seems to me that the “true” story here involves how Kornfeld could have let herself fall for such a scam. There’s potential in it; where she once had a real and meaningful relationship with Ducu, it’s become largely a narrative from her youth by the time of the novel. That makes her susceptible to having her experience manipulated and narrator by another. It sets her up, and there must be a good story in her reflections on it.
We don’t get that story, though, and I’m afraid I feel a bit misled myself in its absence.
There’s a compelling story here, but I don’t think Kornfeld really tells it. Either that, or I’m just less interested in the one she does tell.
I was excited to read this because, as the back cover promises. It’s the story of an American woman dealing with the memory of her dead former lover in Romania. She experiences much of it on-line and, when she does visit the country, in a whirlwind of not-quite-getting-the-picture.
The story that we do get is either too abstract for my taste – lots of generalized impressions about Ducu as a director, as a bon vivant, as a lover – or too much in the vein of Karl Ove Knausgaard, with so much of quotidian detail that it overwhelms a sense of narrative. (I do like Knausgaard more than this, but I confess I’m not as impressed as most people seem to be.)
It’s moving in places to read about Kornfeld ‘s sense of loss. She hadn’t been with Ducu for more than 20 years, so his death marked the loss of a youthful moment when the world felt very different from one that could have elected a Donald Trump. But too, I feel, she tells of emotions that I’d prefer to see her show. I push my students to work in the concrete when they write, and I want to push Korneld in the same way.
And it’s interesting at times to see how she related to Anya, the self-described young and final lover of Ducu. Anya serves as her Romanian tour guide and shows her the remnants of Ducu’s world, a tour originally conducted over the internet and only eventually in person.
[SPOILER:] The real story here, though, gets revealed only at the end. It turns out that Anya is catfishing Kornfeld. Anya barely knew Ducu at all, but – learning that Kornfeld was planning a book about the man – reached out to Kornfeld and managed to extort a lot of money (by Romanian standards).
The con is a big deal. At one point, Kornfeld believes she is going to have one of her books adapted for a movie that will star Diana Ross and her daughter Tracee Ellis Ross. She thinks she’s corresponding with Bob Iger and Ross, and – as the novel opens – thinks she’s about to be picked up by helicopter for a studio meeting.
We get that reveal in only the final pages, though, and it seems to me that the “true” story here involves how Kornfeld could have let herself fall for such a scam. There’s potential in it; where she once had a real and meaningful relationship with Ducu, it’s become largely a narrative from her youth by the time of the novel. That makes her susceptible to having her experience manipulated and narrator by another. It sets her up, and there must be a good story in her reflections on it.
We don’t get that story, though, and I’m afraid I feel a bit misled myself in its absence.
October 15, 2021
I ordered the Kindle edition. There were serious flaws in the formatting and editing. I found a few instances of word replacement, for example; incubating instead of intubating. The most serious flaw was the numerous instances where there were no spaces between words. But as an indie author myself, I don’t ding stars for that, I simply want to warn potential readers of what to expect.
I could not connect with this book, the author, or the subject of the narrative. From the synopsis, I was expecting a true life mystery. A search for the truth that would bring justice for a victim. What I got was a self-absorbed, narcissistic blathering by a person writing about how clueless and gullible they were. And I got the impression the author was somehow proud of the way things played out. The people, as described, in the book where shallow and cowardly. None of them found the courage of their convictions, but simply blamed others when their air castles turned to dust. The author goes on about their great love, but neither were willing to stand by each other or sacrifice for that love. My impression is that the author, having never experienced the real thing, mistakes shallow infatuation for love. It’s an easy conclusion to reach considering how clueless she admits to being with the rest of the story.
In a supposed non-fiction book, I found the final, long chapter of the dream meeting of ghosts completely out of place. Again, another example of where we are reading they way the author wishes thing were as compared to reality.
As a technician, I’ve had to live my life in the real world. I just couldn’t connect this self congratulatory spin put on this complete failure of logic, performance, or outcome.
I could not connect with this book, the author, or the subject of the narrative. From the synopsis, I was expecting a true life mystery. A search for the truth that would bring justice for a victim. What I got was a self-absorbed, narcissistic blathering by a person writing about how clueless and gullible they were. And I got the impression the author was somehow proud of the way things played out. The people, as described, in the book where shallow and cowardly. None of them found the courage of their convictions, but simply blamed others when their air castles turned to dust. The author goes on about their great love, but neither were willing to stand by each other or sacrifice for that love. My impression is that the author, having never experienced the real thing, mistakes shallow infatuation for love. It’s an easy conclusion to reach considering how clueless she admits to being with the rest of the story.
In a supposed non-fiction book, I found the final, long chapter of the dream meeting of ghosts completely out of place. Again, another example of where we are reading they way the author wishes thing were as compared to reality.
As a technician, I’ve had to live my life in the real world. I just couldn’t connect this self congratulatory spin put on this complete failure of logic, performance, or outcome.
Read
October 23, 2021The True by Sarah Kornfeld is a courageous narration of events unfolded as she investigates the death of her once lover and her best friend Alexandru "Ducu" Darie in Bucharest, Romania. Alexandru Darie was found dead under mysterious circumstances and Sarah ladened with her grief and sorrow sets forth to find the truth. Sarah comes across people who "seemingly" are interested to help her with the truth or is it a falsehood which will untimely make her a target for betrayal. Truly a fascinating and enigmatic non-fictional novel!
Kornfeld narrative is precise and heartfelt. She has made a conscious effort through this book for the truth as it's unveiled, and she also conveys the importance to be vigilant and not to be too trustful. The story has captivated me to the very last word. Kornfeld has expertly interwoven several aspects of political and emotional involvements into an awe-inspiring thriller.
Kornfeld narrative is precise and heartfelt. She has made a conscious effort through this book for the truth as it's unveiled, and she also conveys the importance to be vigilant and not to be too trustful. The story has captivated me to the very last word. Kornfeld has expertly interwoven several aspects of political and emotional involvements into an awe-inspiring thriller.
October 21, 2021
I had the best time reading this gripping story. I think that what makes this book so captivating is the fact that it is based on a real story.
The True centres on the search that the author herself had to start when her lover, a world-renowned theatre director, died of mysterious causes in Bucharest, Rumania. Sarah becomes the protagonist of this story, filled with exciting and mysterious moments.
I believe this is a story of love, as the author embarks herself on the adventure of a lifetime to discover what has happened to her dear Alexandru Darie. On her path, she meets some peculiar people who seem to want to help her discover the truth, but sooner than later she comes to realize that it wasn’t their real intention, and that there is more that meets the eye.
This is an honest and true story, that I truly recommend reading!
October 21, 2021
The True is a non-fiction novel that was written by her main character, Sara Kornfield. Kornfield’s personal exploration of grief and loss was the fuel that lighted up this story. The death of her lover and dear friend in Bucharest, Romania, is the reason why Sara starts an investigation because Alexandru “Ducu” Darie died of mysterious causes. This is a painful yet wonderful story of how the truth can easily affect us all but a lie can hunt us forever.
What an incredible story! Kornfield was able to transform her pain into a very exciting novel. Filled with intense drama and great written skills, The True kept me reading right until the end. A book that contains several twists, which I love because it kept me wondering all along. Highly recommended for anyone out there on the lookout for a good thrilling novel!
What an incredible story! Kornfield was able to transform her pain into a very exciting novel. Filled with intense drama and great written skills, The True kept me reading right until the end. A book that contains several twists, which I love because it kept me wondering all along. Highly recommended for anyone out there on the lookout for a good thrilling novel!
October 23, 2021
This is a book hard to put down. The author, Sarah Kornfeld, narrates the difficult true she had to face when she investigated the death of the man she loved. While I was reading the story, I thought that my troubles seem very small in comparison with the main character’s life.
Full of suspense, shock, and wonder what will happen next, this book is undoubtedly amazing! This captivating story of perseverance, love and redemption fulfilled all my expectations.
Sarah writes this non-fiction masterpiece with such truth and honesty that she almost brought me to tears in some parts. Throughout, she has an amazing spirit bringing her to overcome the cards dealt to her in life.
Anyone that loves memoirs like I do will adore this book and without any hesitation, I give this excellent piece of work a 5-STAR recommendation.
Full of suspense, shock, and wonder what will happen next, this book is undoubtedly amazing! This captivating story of perseverance, love and redemption fulfilled all my expectations.
Sarah writes this non-fiction masterpiece with such truth and honesty that she almost brought me to tears in some parts. Throughout, she has an amazing spirit bringing her to overcome the cards dealt to her in life.
Anyone that loves memoirs like I do will adore this book and without any hesitation, I give this excellent piece of work a 5-STAR recommendation.
October 18, 2021
The True by Sarah Kornfeld is described as a non-fiction true-life mystery. What follows is a self-involved story of personal grief as the author tries to find out what happened to her lover in Romania. His death hits her hard, and there is plenty of mystery here to decipher. The emotional overtone takes over, however, and ultimately, you have to wonder just how close the author was to this person, otherwise, she would have been a more active participant in his life. The reality of her life was quite different from how she imagined or pretended it to be with her lover. This made her lose credibility and made the book less interesting to me. There was little ground for the author to stand on.
October 24, 2021
“The True” written by Sarah Kornfeld is the compelling account of a woman's search for truth. This great book is a non-fiction work that describes and explains Kornfeld’s two-year journey as she led an investigation in order to discover the truth of her friend’s death. It was a path full of dangers, deception, lies and mysteries.
The author reflects upon fact and fiction. This duality and contrast make us think about the truth and the lies that permeate our everyday life. The author has approached these themes from her personal perspective, giving a thorough description of her investigation and her experiences.
The book is concise and truthful. The simple and straightforward writing style invited me to binge-read until the last page. I strongly recommend it.
The author reflects upon fact and fiction. This duality and contrast make us think about the truth and the lies that permeate our everyday life. The author has approached these themes from her personal perspective, giving a thorough description of her investigation and her experiences.
The book is concise and truthful. The simple and straightforward writing style invited me to binge-read until the last page. I strongly recommend it.
October 21, 2021
As the description indicates, "THE TRUE" is a non-fictional book that tells a part of the story of its own author Sarah Kornfeld. It explores various topics such as love, loss, corruption and other controversial issues.
Since I started reading the prologue, this book caught my attention and I couldn't stop reading it, so much so that in two days I finished it.
It is incredible how people can change, twist and even manipulate others. That is what they tried to do with the author, as she tried to uncover the truth behind the death of her lover and dear friend, Alexandru "Ducu" Darie.
I enjoyed learning about Sarah's story and everything she had to go through to try to get to the truth.
Since I started reading the prologue, this book caught my attention and I couldn't stop reading it, so much so that in two days I finished it.
It is incredible how people can change, twist and even manipulate others. That is what they tried to do with the author, as she tried to uncover the truth behind the death of her lover and dear friend, Alexandru "Ducu" Darie.
I enjoyed learning about Sarah's story and everything she had to go through to try to get to the truth.
October 21, 2021
Death and mystery
Sarah Kornfeld is the author of this autobiographical book called “The True”. As the title predicts, the writer shares his past experiences during a certain time when she was searching for the truth. After her loving partner died, she was in deep pain but she was not able to go on without being certain of what had happened.
Her search for the truth touches controversial topics about her country. Personally, I found some parts difficult to follow because I got confused with what was real and what was not.
I still give this story three stars because it trapped me. I would like to know the other endings that are published in different languages!
Sarah Kornfeld is the author of this autobiographical book called “The True”. As the title predicts, the writer shares his past experiences during a certain time when she was searching for the truth. After her loving partner died, she was in deep pain but she was not able to go on without being certain of what had happened.
Her search for the truth touches controversial topics about her country. Personally, I found some parts difficult to follow because I got confused with what was real and what was not.
I still give this story three stars because it trapped me. I would like to know the other endings that are published in different languages!
January 16, 2022
This book delivered a major surprise toward the end that turned everything that came before upside down for me. There were other unexpected turns along the way, which made me wonder what was "the true" story here -- and I am leaving the book with the desire to reread, to go back to the beginning in search for additional insight. This feels like a very good reflection of the media-rich environment of the writerly world, where all the screens we keep staring at create their own reality, and even if there's anything real behind them, it's not at all what we imagine it might be...
November 16, 2021
The author was very brave when telling and sharing this story. It is touching and interesting at the same time. I cannot even imagine all she has been through. Losing someone you love is always difficult and even more so when the context for that loss is strange.
The book is very well written and completely honest; something I really liked. I can just say good things about this book because I noticed it was written from the deepest side of the author. I found myself binge reading and I didn’t want it to finish. I recommend it !
The book is very well written and completely honest; something I really liked. I can just say good things about this book because I noticed it was written from the deepest side of the author. I found myself binge reading and I didn’t want it to finish. I recommend it !
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews