What I learnt about Maldova
- Geography: Moldova is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, bordered by Romania to the west and Ukraine to the north, east, and south. The capital city is Chișinău, which dates back to 1420.
- History: Moldova was part of the Romanian principality of Moldavia until 1812, then it was ceded to Russia. It became part of the USSR in 1945 and gained independence in 1991.
- Economy: Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe, with a significant portion of its economy based on agriculture.
- Languages: The official language is Romanian, but Russian, Gagauz, Ukrainian, and Bulgarian are also spoken.
- Wine: Moldova is famous for its wine. The Milestii Mici cellars hold the Guinness World Record for the largest wine collection, with around 2 million bottles stored in 55 km of underground galleries.
- Transnistria, a narrow strip of land between the Dniester River and the Ukrainian border, declared independence from Moldova in 1990, leading to a brief war in 1992. Although it functions as a de facto independent state with its own government, military, and currency, it is not internationally recognized and is considered part of Moldova.
What I read for Maldova
The Good Life Elsewhere
Vladimir Lorchenkov , Ross Ufberg (Translator)
Available in: Paperback, E-Book, Audiobook
Genres: Contemporary Fiction, Humor
Paperback: 197 pages
Audiobook: 6h 25m
Summary
The Good Life Elsewhere by Vladimir Lorchenkov is a funny yet sad story about villagers from Moldova trying to move to Italy for a better life. The book shows the challenges and dreams of people in Europe’s poorest country. It mixes personal stories with big political changes and the lasting effects of the Soviet era.
The story features a colorful cast of characters, including an Orthodox priest abandoned by his wife for an atheist art dealer, a mechanic who transforms his tractor for air and sea travel, and thousands of villagers embarking on a modern-day crusade to reach Italy. Despite their efforts, the political landscape remains unchanged.
Thoughts
If you want to really know about any place, I would recommend reading a satire about it. Nothing paints a truer picture than those exaggerated humor puns.
I found this book to be dark and entertaining. It is is filled with quirky characters and absurd situations. Lorchenkov’s writing is sharp and witty, capturing the essence of the characters’ struggles and aspirations. The novel paints a vivid picture of life in Moldova, with its economic hardships and social issues, while also exploring universal themes of hope, desperation, and the pursuit of a better life.
However, if you are not into dark comedy I would recommend Kinderland by Liliana Corobca. I haven’t read it yet, but I plan to read it in future.
Do you have any other recommendation from this country? Please share it in comments.
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