Maseurul orb

Maseurul orb tells of exile, desire and loss of hope. Its people live on the edges of Romanian life. Some live in a far-off valley. There, books and tales shape each day. Village tales and folk beliefs meet the strains of modern life. One belief gives the devil power to put off death. He waits until a person has sinned enough.

This novel blends pain with humour. It shows care for its strange and troubled people. Romania changes, but old ways still hold sway. The tone blends warmth with sharp, mocking words. The prose shifts from blunt speech to poetry. Tales give strength to those whose lives feel unsure.

Cătălin Dorian Florescu is Swiss and has Romanian roots. This is his third novel. He shows the strain that exile brings within. He also explores the pull between East and West. Mariana Barbulescu translated this edition from German.