Delirul

Marin Preda’s Delirul looks at power and violence. It asks why the masses give their consent. The story takes place in Romania in 1940–1941. History here defies reason. No one can tell what course it will take. How does a dictator seize power and reshape a continent? Why do people fail to stop him in time? Hitler is a key focus. But these questions go beyond one ruler. The book also deals with Romania’s National Legionary dictatorship. Horia Sima and Antonescu play a part in this account.

The novel is for readers who like fiction about history and power in politics. Preda saw its main aim as taking a stand against violence. Critics call it a historical novel. Preda did not accept that label. He sought to write a tense work. He said the strong response from readers surprised him.

The book was part of his planned Comedii țărănești project. He formed that plan in 1948–1949. The project is still unfinished. Preda spoke of a second book but never wrote it. It would follow his characters through 1946. An epilogue, or closing section, would reach 1953. The book would deal with the rise of Stalinism in Romania. It would also cover Antonescu’s trial and execution.

Alexandru Preda used the typed draft to set this edition’s text. He checked it against all editions issued after the author’s death. Oana Soare’s study looks at responses to the novel. It covers the views of readers and critics. This edition also has critical views from Ion Rotaru. It includes those of Nicolae Manolescu and Eugen Simion too. The book is part of a Marin Preda author series.