Feminist Writings – Laura Sandu

Ideas, diary excerpts, questions, poems, chronicles, and articles. That's how Laura Sandu's book could be briefly described. But going further, regardless of the form in which they were put, the words take shape, playing with preconceptions, fears, and hopes.

Here it is, a must-read. And an excerpt.

"Literature belongs to everyone, but what do we want it to be, first and foremost, when we teach it, translate it, sell it, popularize it, write it, and interpret it?

Do we want it to be heritage, a national legacy with infinite potential, which must be 'saved' from oblivion and degradation? Or do we want it to be, above all, a contemporary body of expressive structures, with the extraordinary ability to make us understand—by appealing to our empathy and other affective and cognitive abilities—the present, history, and the possibilities of the future?"

My book, a jewel-like object

When the book you wrote goes out into the world, you no longer exist. In the sense that the power you had when it was a manuscript has vanished. Now, the book is its own master, and readers are entitled to like it or not.

By relinquishing control, more out of necessity than choice, you learn about tolerance in ways you never imagined. In a selfish way, control returns to the author when they find out that their work is appreciated, applauded, or promoted. So I was very happy to regain control (fortunately for the book, this regaining is short-lived; and fortunately for me, this time, I have experienced regaining control several times this year) when I listened to Aditi talking about my latest novel, 'Laura Rise-Detained'.

Then, the praise settled and gave way to another feeling, much more beautiful and lasting. Gratitude. When your love of books is reflected in someone else's love of books, you understand that you are understood. And who doesn't want to be understood?!

Thank you, Aditi, for your kind words about the book and about the behind-the-scenes life of a writer!

In the video below, you can listen to Aditi talk about my book between 19:51 and 21:37 (only in Romanian).

Work