Jurnal esențial

Monica Lovinescu’s diary links her daily life to Romania’s past. It spans the years from 1981 to 2002. Cristina Cioabă chose entries from all seven journals for those years. The book suits readers of diaries and accounts of that time.

Lovinescu asks how much a life story can capture. She sees memory in pieces, not as a clear, steady chain. The self that looks back changes with time, too. Her work in the press raises a duty to tell the truth. She seeks to change her views when people or events prove her wrong.

Her sense of right and wrong shapes her view of communism. She looks past politics to how a regime shapes people. She values dignity and honest acts, not just good writing.

Ioana Pârvulescu wrote the preface for this edition. It forms part of the Monica Lovinescu anniversary series.