Gherla. Lătești

Paul Goma recalls the beatings and abuse he faced at Gherla. He was a young man at the time. He writes of prison life under communist rule. He shows how the state's attacks on its foes breed fear. He bears witness to real pain and the loss of human worth.

This book gives his account in a literary form. It is for readers of prison writing and state abuse. Goma puts plain, direct witness first, not new ways to write. He shows how those in power hound people. He seeks to show how people can break free of fear. He aims to name those at fault, not to seek revenge. Nor does he aim to stay silent.

In his fiction, some worlds seem like hell, others like paradise. Lătești stands between these worlds. This edition forms part of the Cartier Popular series.