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- 2 August 2022
- Reading suggestion
- gsclibrary
Recommendation by the Permanent Representation of Romania to the EU
Book selected: The Ages of the Game – Citadel Street by Claudiu M. Florian
For some, the daily commute can be a drag. Packed public transport crammed with weary workers battling for some space on board.
Yet for others, commuting can offer another experience. As moving melting pots where languages and cultures mix, the soothing rhythm of a train rolling along the track can be meditative. It can provide an opportunity to think about a problem in an unfamiliar setting, producing moments of inspiration or productivity.
Claudiu M. Florian is one such commuter. He penned his book The Ages of the Game – Citadel Street, which won the European Union Prize for Literature, during his morning and evening train commute while working in Berlin.
It tells the story of a little boy listening uncomprehendingly to his grandparents’, parents’, relatives’ and neighbours’ conversations in the 1970s. Florian captures an intimate family story that opens up into a reflection on Romanian history in the 20th century, and all the tales of war, revolution and betrayal that go with it.
At the heart of the book is a story about belonging. A family history unfolds with people of different ethnic origins, ages, religions and political beliefs sharing their experiences. A microcosm of a multicultural Romanian society where people live in harmony despite their many differences.
A central theme is language and how it is used. Not everybody the child interacts with speaks the same language. Yet they can all communicate and understand each other. Every multi-lingual conversation the boy overhears, no matter how brief, shapes his personal story and understanding of events.
Claudiu M. Florian has worked in Romanian embassies in Europe. This book is undoubtedly informed by his experiences, as it clearly showcases the multiple benefits of intercultural dialogue and exchange.
An inspiring and compassionate book.
Claudiu M. Florian (1969) was born in Rupea, Braşov County. From 2002, he worked as an employee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, moving on to become Cultural and Press Attaché at the Romanian Embassy in Berlin from 2004 to 2009. Since 2010, he has held a key role at the Romanian Embassy in Bern, Switzerland. He won the 2016 European Union Prize for Literature (EUPL).
If you are looking to unearth other Romanian literary gems, discover more via Eureka, the online catalogue of the Council libraries.
About the Readers of Europe campaign
The year 2022 has been designated the European Year of Youth. The Council Library has therefore chosen to devote the third edition of its annual Readers of Europe initiative to young people, putting the focus squarely on new and emerging European literary talent.
The permanent representations to the EU have once again been invited to recommend books from their countries to read over the summer. The theme for this year’s campaign is ‘Discover something new’, the idea being that every permanent representation selects a book by an author who has published their first work within the last five years. We will promote these selections over the summer on the Council Library blog.
Europe is awash with exciting young authors. Dive into this selection and discover stories that hum with fresh ideas and luminous prose. Novels that ask piercing questions about humanity. Stories that are edgy and beautiful, gripping and unsettling. Stories worthy of a place in any library.
So find a comfy place to sit back and relax as we showcase some of Europe’s promising literary talent.
This post does not necessarily represent the positions, policies, or opinions of the Council of the European Union or the European Council.
The Council Library reading room is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12.00 to 15.00. The Info Desk remains open online from Monday to Friday.