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

 

Scenes

I visited Ireland this summer. I don't want to write recommendations about places to visit, but I would like to share with you a moment, a couple's existence, which delighted me beyond measure.

She is dressed in a linen suit with long fuchsia pants. She is friendly, talks to everyone, smiles, makes jokes, although she can also be sarcastic.

He is dressed in a plaid shirt, olive pants, boots, and a wide-brimmed hat. He seems grumpy, and he is, he is sarcastic, sharp, but also funny, and he recites long poems, but too quickly for the message of the poems to reach his listeners.

They are certainly over 60 years old, but their chemistry is palpable. They sit outside in the wind at night and play a card game. They talk, laugh, and look up at the stars from time to time, despite the younger people who don't dare to go outside because of the wind.

They are not in their first marriage, I hear later when they come in and engage in conversation with others who have stayed inside to enjoy their drinks in the warmth. She has two sons, who are quite religious, perhaps too much so for his liking.

They are kind to each other, teasing each other without any hidden meaning or reproaches. There is a sweet familiarity between them that makes everyone around them envious and feeling lucky to be witnesses to such a clear example of love, appreciation, and support. This example is more astonishing since they are at an age when, supposedly, we think there's maybe only indifference or disillusionment.

Long may they live!

On Stand-By - Adina Popescu

Adina Popescu's short prose is a real treat, especially for those who want to let themselves be carried away by time and through time. Diverse characters, simple or complex, and above all, Bucharest reigns, as the main character of the book "În așteptare" (On Stand-By).

I really liked that, here and there, the stories raise in us questions that we may not have considered at all or that we have avoided thinking about. But most of all, I was charmed by the gentleness that emerges from each story, a gentleness that can be extended to the reader, in case of need. And who doesn't need gentleness?!

By all means, do read an excerpt below (only in Romanian).

Ildiko talking about my novel ‘The Light Within You’ (not yet published)

In addition to the imposter syndrome, writers struggle with many demons. I also struggle with the superstition of not talking about the books I'm working on, lest I scare away the chances of them being published. And here I am today, showing my vulnerability.

If it weren't for Ildiko, I probably wouldn't have stepped out of my comfort zone; it's hard, really hard to try to fight old habits. But Ildiko was brave enough for me too and talked not in one video, but in three, about my unpublished novel, "The Light Within You."

I feel honored to be read, supported, and encouraged in such a sincere and beautiful way! I bow to you, Ildiko! 

Watch the videos below (only in Romanian):

• From 14:17 – 15:30 and from 26:32 – 27:44 

• From 22:00 – 25:25 and from 31:16 – 35:11

• From 40:48 – 44:19 

Advice

When you don't know what to do, do nothing.

Such good advice, but so hard to follow.