In Search of Romania

The memoir "In Search of Romania" by Dennis Deletant explores his first-hand experience of the Communist era in Romania, including surveillance, contacts with dissidents, and the impact of the regime on the moral compass of individuals. It also considers how life went on under dictatorship and the challenges faced by citizens.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2022
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

The imposition of Communist ideology was a misfortune for millions in Eastern Europe, but it was a blessing in disguise for Dennis Deletant. Instead, it drew him to Romania, a country that has had a profound impact on his life and work.

The renowned historian's association with Romania dates back to 1965, when he first visited the country. Since then, Romania has made Dennis appreciate the value of shrewd dissimulation, in the face of the state's gross intrusion in the life of the individual. This vivid memoir charts his first-hand experience of the Communist era, coloured by the early 1970s surveillance of his future wife Andrea; his contacts with dissidents; and his articles and BBC World Service broadcasts, which led to his being declared persona non grata in 1988.

In Search of Romania also considers how life went on under dictatorship, even if it was largely mapped out by the regime. How did individual citizens negotiate the challenges placed in their path? How important was the political police, the Securitate, in maintaining compliance? How did dissent towards the regime manifest? How did all this affect the moral compass of the individual? Why did utopia descend into dystopia under Ceaușescu? And how has his legacy influenced the difficult transition to democracy since the collapse of Communism?

Dennis's journey to Romania began in 1965, when he was a young professor of history at the University of California, Berkeley. He was fascinated by the country's rich history and culture and decided to visit it. His first impression of Romania was of a country in transition, with a mix of old and new. He was struck by the poverty and deprivation of the people, but also by their resilience and determination.

During his visit, Dennis met with many Romanian intellectuals and activists, including the famous writer and dissident Ceausescu. Ceausescu was a charismatic leader who had come to power in 1965, promising to bring about a new era of prosperity and social justice. However, his regime was soon characterized by repression and brutality, and he became known as one of the most brutal dictators in modern history.

Despite the dangers, Dennis continued to visit Romania regularly, and his contacts with dissidents grew. He became increasingly aware of the regime's brutal crackdown on dissent, and he began to write articles and broadcasts about the situation in Romania. His work caught the attention of the international community, and he was declared persona non grata in 1988.

Despite the obstacles, Dennis's work continued to have a profound impact on Romania. His memoir, In Search of Romania, became a bestseller and helped to bring the country's brutal regime to the attention of the world. His work also helped to inspire a generation of Romanian intellectuals and activists, who were determined to bring about change in their country.

In conclusion, the imposition of Communist ideology was a misfortune for millions in Eastern Europe, but it was a blessing in disguise for Dennis Deletant. His association with Romania has had a profound impact on his life and work, and his memoir charts his first-hand experience of the Communist era. In Search of Romania also considers how life went on under dictatorship, and how individual citizens negotiated the challenges placed in their path. Dennis's legacy continues to inspire and influence the difficult transition to democracy in Romania.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787387010