8 povestiri de vacanță

Adina Popescu tells eight stories of childhood trips in 1980s Romania. Adina walks in the mountains and goes to the sea. Each trip has its own well-known set of routines. On trains, she reads, does crosswords, and eats food from home. Chinese chocolate or a Pepsi count as rare treats. Anton is gruff, while Doina helps keep the peace. A first dip in the sea brings shouts of joy. In the woods, her mother holds her close. Her arms ease Adina’s fear of bears.

These funny stories feel true to life. They suit children and teens, as well as adults. They show small joys when goods are scarce and life feels hard. The child’s voice shows her wish to learn. She wants to watch and join in. Plans she knows well give her a lasting sense of safety. Popescu keeps the child’s voice from her Calea Moșilor stories. Bilyana Velikova made the art for this book.