Enigma Otiliei

Felix Sima is a young orphan. He comes to Bucharest to study medicine. He lives with his uncle, who is his guardian. Before he builds a career, he must learn about love and family ties. He grows up alongside Otilia Marculescu and the Tulea family.

George Calinescu wrote this novel in 1938. Set in a city, it blends a young man's growth with a close look at social life. It has 20 chapters. It suits fans of Romanian classics and tales that focus on people.

Otilia is the main woman in the story. She flirts and longs to be free. Her moods change, and she soon grows bored. She struggles when others block her wishes. Felix has a strong drive to succeed. Costache is thrifty but warm, and he loves children. Pascalopol is a man of culture from the upper class. Aglae is full of spite. Aurica stays unwed. Simion suffers from senile dementia.

Calinescu shows what people are like through their homes and surroundings. He also uses their looks and bodily traits. He draws on Balzac but gives classic realism a new shape. He describes buildings in detail and draws clear social types. These help him explore why people act as they do.

In 1932, he called for modern Romanian fiction with roots in human life. He did not think fiction had to follow the philosophy and psychology of its time. This edition is part of the Biblioteca scolarului series.