Romanians in 1948… and now?

Donald Dunham, an American diplomat stationed in Bucharest, said this about Romanians in 1948: “The Romanians are a social phenomenon. As a nation among nations, they are westerners evolved in the East. They are Latins surrounded by Slavs. They are Romans two thousand years away from Rome. They are contemporaries re-produced on Trajan’s Column. “They are peasants with the utmost in sophistication. They farm instinctively, … Continue reading Romanians in 1948… and now?

British Ambassador Andrew Noble, Bucharest, Romania, Arabella McIntyre-Brown, A Stake in Transylvania, book launch

It’s out – and proud

A Stake in Transylvania – the English edition of my book first published in Romanian translation (Din Liverpool în Carpati) – is now published, at long last. The book was launched with a reception at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Bucharest, where the guests from business, the book world, the British community and friends heard Ambassador Andrew Noble extol the book as a paean to … Continue reading It’s out – and proud

Candour or caution?

Thanks to the Romania Journal for some keen questions in yesterday’s interview. I opted to be candid, since cautious answers make for an anodyne read… What do you think – should I have responded more neutrally? Continue reading Candour or caution?

Dahlia and friends take a bow

Dahlia’s Pet Detectives (Dalia si micii detectivi) will be in the spotlight at the end of next week (Thursday 31st May, Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd June) when my new book is launched at Bucuresti’s Bookfest (Romexpo). If you read Floss the lost puppy, you’ll recognise the village of Fân (Hay) where Dahlia and Chip are neighbours and schoolmates of Thea and Tudor Thimble. A … Continue reading Dahlia and friends take a bow

Official: I’m an eccentric, says Kanal D

Another little TV slot – this time on Kanal D – which has brought some more enthusiastic Romanians to my digital door. Thank you, Kanal D! I love the caption to my silliest photo (can you see I’m typing in ski mitts?): “She gave a kingdom for a Romanian hamlet.” George Cat, Papi Dog, my neighbour Georgi and her two cows all appear. Let me … Continue reading Official: I’m an eccentric, says Kanal D

Digi24 comes to tea

Beautiful TV presenter Ioana Mihalca and her expert crew came to see me in Magura last month, and made a charming 8-minute film from their afternoon’s visit. They also talked to my neighbour Roxana, and my friends from Zarnesti, Dan and Luminita Marin. The resulting film was broadcast on the show Bonton at the end of November. What do you think?   Continue reading Digi24 comes to tea

Is it safe to publish?

The latest Floss review came in today, from Alex Tatulescu who lives near London. I hope you can read the image – it’s so nice to read his letter as he wrote it. In case the image isn’t quite clear enough, you can read his review here. And yes, Alex, I’ve already started the next book. It’s set in the same village, but it’s a … Continue reading Is it safe to publish?

English kids love Floss’s story

A review just in from Julie Whyman in York (UK), who read the book Floss the lost puppy to a group of excitable 5-9 yr olds: “What a wonderful, engaging romp through Transylvania, via England and Wales: it has made us all want to leave a windy and dismal Yorkshire to jump into waist-high snow in the enchanting environs of Hay. You have a brilliant … Continue reading English kids love Floss’s story