Classics of Romanian Literature

One of the first successful novels written by a female author in Romania, Hortensia Papadat-Bengescu's A Bach Concert remains a classic work of Romanian literature. Originally published in 1927 in Romanian, the novel follows the life of the Hallipa family. The main plot revolves around a Bach concert organized by Elena Hallipa-Draganescu for the elite society of Bucharest. It's a story of high society intrigue, family tragedy, East European urban life after World War I, and culture.Published for the first time in English, Hortensia Papadat-Bengescu's realistic novel will delight its readers with stories of this long-forgotten era.

The first crime novel in Romanian literature is now available in a new illustrated edition. The story is based on the classic Romanian folk poem Miorita. Vitoria Lipan is the wife of a shepherd living in a Moldavian village. She can't read or write but she has outstanding intuition. One day she gets a premonition that something happened to her husband, who was away looking to buy more sheep. Guided by archaic symbols and local superstitions, Vitoria embarks on a journey to learn the truth. Her character is a unique portrayal of a simple peasant woman in the 1930s. Despite being illiterate she becomes a true female sleuth, crushing every stereotype of that time period.

At Medeleni is classic work of Romanian literature and a wonderful novel for all ages. Ionel Teodoreanu captivates your mind and your heart and places you alongside his memorable characters: Olga, Monica, and Dan. A novel full of warmth, wit, love, and the pursuit of dreams, the story takes place during the years between the two world wars. It is a delightful account of brother-sister rivalry, and the life of a generally happy, easy-going family in rural Moldavia.Ionel Teodoreanu wrote more than twenty books during his prolific literary career, including the classic Lorelei, but At Medeleni remains his most beloved work. In it, the author drew on his experiences growing up in rural Moldavia. Published as a trilogy, At Medeleni: A Summer in Moldavia is a translation of volume 1 of the trilogy, titled in Romanian, Hotarul Nestatornic. It includes an introduction by A.K. Brackob and is illustrated by talented, young Romanian artist Alexandra Maxim.

In Pirin Planina: Tragic and Comic Episodes from Captivity, Romanian poet and writer George Topirceanu (1886-1937) described his experiences as a soldier during World War I. Despite his bleak surroundings and vivid descriptions of death and tragedy that he witnessed, Topirceanu managed to find humor in the most unusual circumstances, making Pirin Planina a truly unique account of the War. His experiences will leave the reader perplexed. Topirceanu's unique blend of drama, tragedy, and humor will immerse the reader into the world of a soldier during World War I.