Thoughts on this piece of Romanian Literature

Before I tell you my thoughts, I’d like to preface this by saying that I am still a strong believer that Romanian Literature should have a very special place in literary theory. Analysing it through Western-style criticism doesn’t really do it justice.

‘Moromeții’ is a very interesting book. What I like about it is that it shows a very realistic depiction of life in the Romanian countryside back in the 1930s. It is very violent, sexist, and racist, but that was the reality and we have to learn about it and from it. Unfortunately, so many behaviours and discourses haven’t changed at all in almost a century. It explains a lot…

HOWEVER

My biggest issue with this book is that it’s written in such an unattractive style. Often, the book tells more than it shows, which makes it so bland. It’s like a meal without salt and I like food with very little salt (literally). I don’t like long descriptive passages or complicated styles, either. I prefer balance. This novel is not balanced.

That’s all I had to say. Other than that, I’m intrigued by the plot and I’m very curious about how things are going to go. I think I’ll finish it over the weekend.