Searching for Sarmizegetusa - Journeys to the Heart of Rural Romania

Bland travel writers, lacking any real literary flair, trot out all the clichés about beaches like peaches and perfect nosh in old Castile where Brits behave with their familiar vulgarity. Better by far to journey to Romania in the company of Caroline Juler on what proves to be far more than a tourist's visit. Her interest in, and love for, the country is evident on every page and, what’s more, she knows how to write.\r\n\r\nIn well under 200 pages, we learn much about the history, culture and mythology of a land which is not unlike Britain prior to the industrial revolution. Despite what we softies will, inevitably, regard as a somewhat primitive way of life, the people are, it seems, a great deal more contented than we are with all the sophisticated trappings of civilisation. They are not subject to the angst which has fallen on us like a curse.\r\n\r\nThe chapter sections are intriguingly titled and even more intriguing to read: ‘The Secret Folklorist’, ‘Ladders of Virtue, Stairs from Hell’, ‘Waltzing with Bears’ and ‘Looms with a View’. In my ignorance, I knew nothing about Transylvania, but the book dispelled my cinematic memories of a blood-sucking count. I now feel the strong urge to go there.\r\n\r\nIf a book can have this effect on the reader, then this is surely quite an accolade.\r\n\r\nDewi Roberts\r\n