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.
Much of the book concerns the brother-sister rivalry and the role of
Monica, and Olguta's annoyance at the unfair treatment of girls, not
least because she is something of a tomboy. The siblings are continually
fighting and Monica feels she has to take Olguta's part in female
solidarity, but she also has a strong attachment to Dânut. Dânut, as the
solitary male, often lives in his own world, imagining life as a sultan
or Robinson Crusoe or even a vampire, though happy to come out and fight
his sister.
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. The illustrated edition of At
Medeleni is part of the Classics of Romanian Literature series
published by the Center for Romanian Studies as part of its efforts to
promote access to Romanian culture in the world. It includes an
introduction by A.K. Brackob.
