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Maldova

What I learnt about Maldova

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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