Children of the Night: The Strange and Epic Story of Modern Romania

A fascinating and darkly humorous history of some of Europe's most bizarre dictators, from King Carol to Nicolae Ceau?escu, is presented in "The Strangest Dictatorship: Romania Under the Communists."

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 496 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2022
Publisher: Head of Zeus

Romania's history is a captivating tapestry woven with a rich blend of vibrant, brilliant, darkly humorous, and horrifying events. This captivating narrative, penned by Misha Glenny, takes readers on a witty and page-turning journey filled with grotesque characters that will leave them astonished, exhausted, and utterly curious. An unapologetic page turner, Spectator aptly describes it as "essential reading for anyone interested in Romania's past and present."

Balanced precariously on the shifting fault line between East and West, Romania's past is one of the great untold stories of modern Europe. The country that gave birth to the legendary Vlad Dracula and whose citizens proudly claim descent from ancient Rome has traditionally embraced an enigmatic outsider status. However, it has witnessed some of the most disastrous leadership in the last century.

After a relatively benign period under the rule of a dutiful King and his vivacious British-born Queen, Romania experienced a wild oscillation. Its interwar rulers form a gallery of bizarre characters, each with their unique quirks and flaws. Take, for instance, the corrupt and mentally unbalanced King Carol, who ruled during the interwar period. His reign was marked by political instability, economic decline, and a pervasive sense of corruption.

Next, we have the fascist death cult led by Corneliu Codreanu, which emerged during the same era. Codreanu's ideology was a twisted blend of nationalism, anti-Semitism, and occultism, and his followers were known for their extreme violence and rituals. Their actions left a lasting impact on Romania's history, shaping its political landscape for decades to come.

Continuing the list of peculiar leaders, we encounter the vain General Ion Antonescu, who ruled Romania during World War II. Antonescu was a charismatic and ambitious military leader who sought to expand Romania's influence in Eastern Europe. However, his actions during the war were marked by brutality and a disregard for human rights, earning him a reputation as one of the most ruthless dictators of the era.

After 1945, power was handed to Romania's tiny communist party, under which the country experienced severe repression, purges, and collectivization. The years under communism were marked by a lack of freedom and a strict control over the lives of the Romanian people. However, it was in 1965 that the strangest dictatorship of all began. Nicolae Ceau?escu, a charismatic and ambitious politician, came to power, promising to bring about a new era of prosperity and progress.

But Ceau?escu's reign was anything but prosperous. He became increasingly authoritarian, suppressing any form of dissent and consolidating power within his own hands. His regime was characterized by a cult of personality, with Ceau?escu himself being worshipped as a demigod. He implemented a series of radical economic policies, including collectivization of agriculture and the nationalization of industries, which led to widespread poverty and suffering among the Romanian people.

Ceau?escu's dictatorship also saw a significant expansion of the country's military capabilities. He sought to establish a strong relationship with the Soviet Union and became a key player in the Cold War. However, his aggressive foreign policy and his pursuit of nuclear weapons led to tensions with the West, culminating in the 1989 Revolution that brought an end to his rule.

The legacy of Nicolae Ceau?escu's dictatorship is complex and multifaceted. On the one hand, his policies led to widespread suffering and poverty among the Romanian people. On the other hand, his reign marked a turning point in Romania's history, as it paved the way for the country's transition to democracy and the establishment of a more open and inclusive society.

Romania's history is a testament to the resilience and determination of its people. Despite the challenges and hardships they have faced, Romania has emerged as a vibrant and dynamic nation, with a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of identity. The country's past is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter future.

In conclusion, Romania's history is a captivating tapestry woven with a rich blend of vibrant, brilliant, darkly humorous, and horrifying events. From the enigmatic outsider status of its interwar rulers to the bizarre characters that shaped its political landscape, Romania's past is a testament to the resilience and determination of its people. The legacy of Nicolae Ceau?escu's dictatorship is complex and multifaceted, but it serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter future. As we look back at Romania's history, let us remember the lessons it teaches us and work towards a brighter and more inclusive world for all.

Weight: 366g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789543186