A dark chapter in human history. The first part of this novel follows the adventures of three young friends during a memorable last mountain climbing trip to a remote area of a country under the control of a ruthless authoritarian regime. During their journey, the young men have to cope with with: bear encounters, venomous adders, colorful locals, dangerous climbs, flooded caves, and other challenges, as the main purpose of their trip is gradually revealed. A second story, intertwined with the first one, focuses on a brilliant young pianist and his ill-fated quest for freedom. Urban life, in the dreary capital where the young men regularly reside, is the focus of the second part of the novel, when the friends begin to go their own separate ways and come to terms with their very different future prospects. The challenges of life in the capital, which include run-ins with feral dog packs and the secret police, are very different from those faced in the mountains, but not less dangerous. Ultimately, this is a book about friendship, the noble, irreverent and indomitable aspects of the human condition, as well as a dark chapter in recent human history, and the various ways in which different people cope with difficult and unfair conditions. It is an often hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking exploration of the absurdities of life under an increasingly erratic dictatorship which is gradually losing its grip on the people it could never fully control.
"An excellent blend of humor and poignancy, Guiasu’s latest novel examines the absurdities of life under a chaotic dictatorship that is gradually losing its grip on an ungovernable populace. The story follows three lifelong friends—Alex, Dan, and Victor—as they embark on a dangerous mountain expedition through territory controlled by an oppressive regime. Meanwhile, Gabriel, a talented pianist seeking freedom, faces his own perilous journey. The narrative then shifts to the harsh capital city, where the friends must confront unforeseen dangers while navigating their diverging life paths. Gabriel acts as a catalyst for the actions and motivations of his friends. As their mountain expedition progresses, Gabriel’s fate becomes entwined with their journey, influencing their challenges and decisions. The stream-of-consciousness narration immerses readers in the characters’ thoughts and emotions, reflecting the chaotic nature of human consciousness. This style reveals how their hike triggers memories and reflections, enriching their portrayal and offering insights into Gabriel’s final moments. The absurdities of life under a totalitarian regime are exposed through the characters’ experiences and a satirical critique of education and societal norms. Humor and irony enhance the narrative, making it both engaging and insightful. Ultimately, the novel highlights the regime’s vulnerabilities through the characters’ introspections and dialogues.
A brilliant story that captures the complexities of resisting authoritarian rule and celebrates the unbreakable resilience of the human spirit."
"An autobiographical historical fiction that will teach readers how it was to live under a communist dictatorship as a simple citizen. This debut work of fiction inspired by the author's life is an inspiring blend of two stories that come together seamlessly. One story focuses on three friends, students during the communist regime of Nicolae Ceausescu. Their adventures through the Romanian mountain wliderness and their relationship are vividly portrayed by the author, who doesn't seem to be a debut writer at all. Even though the historical part of the book is accurate, the plot doesn't focus on decribing the events that shaped Romanian history but tries to make the reader discover the horrors of Ceausescu's dictatorship through the words and experiences of the characters. Their adventure intertwines with the second story, that of a young artist from Bucharest. It's a story of survival with a dash of murder mystery. However, the tragic backdrop is not all this book is about. The author found a way to add plenty of humor to the story. It is tragic and suspenful, but also highly entertaining, with plenty of wit and satire. Overall, this novel has the potential to satisfy many types of readers. It is a blend of tragedy, mystery, adventure, and humor, historically accurate, and a great teaching tool for those who wondered what life was really like in communist Romania."
"In Radu Cornel Guiașu's historical novel, The Faraway Mountains, men discuss life under their authoritarian government over the course of a perilous hike. And, in the end, all four men reveal the fragility of the regime in their thoughts and conversations. Together, they become representative of the strength of hope. People living beneath a communist regime rebel in small ways in The Faraway Mountains, a provocative historical novel."
The Faraway Mountains
By Radu Guiasu
Histria Books, $29.99, 207 pages, Format: Hard
Star Rating: 4 / 5
A story of friendship, connection, and solidarity, The Faraway Mountains by Radu Guiasu is a moving recollection of life during the Communist era in Eastern Europe. Following the stories of friends Alex, Gabriel, Victor, and Dan, readers are given a window into the harsh realities of urban life under an oppressive regime, one full of hardship, lies, and scarcity.
In part one, the story begins with Alex, Victor, and Dan on an intense hiking trip. Between violent storms, hungry bears, and perilous cliffs, the men are kept on their toes. In between these challenges, they are able to discuss life freely, a stark contrast to when they are walking in the streets of their town. Romania is full of policemen, and even more secret policemen, who have their ears and eyes open for possible “traitors” of the regime. Always eavesdropping, they tap into telephone lines, disguise themselves as common people, and go out of their way to spot anyone who may be talking ill of their country.
But out in the remote mountains, finally, these friends can speak candidly. Discussing the future of their country, the horrid living conditions, the school brainwashing, and the increasing aggravation of these issues, readers gain a powerful insight into what life looks like under a dictatorship. A reminder of the privilege of free speech and democracy in Western countries, this part of the novel deepened my gratitude for what I often take for granted. Readers can take away the understanding of oppression, and how important it is to fight for freedom.
Part two of the novel, although it brings into play all of the characters, focuses the most on Alex. With plans to emigrate, he has become the target of many. Unexplainably kicked out of his university despite being a top student, followed and threatened by policemen, constantly on the alert for danger – this is the life of someone trying to escape a communist country. Fortunately, his parents had escaped years earlier. Now notable professors at a prestigious Western university, they are able to lobby for their son, bringing the Romanian authorities into the spotlight for Alex’s release to join them. An eye-opener to the restrictive systems suppressing those from escaping, this book shows just how impossible it can be to flee.
Overall, this book does an excellent job of discussing life under communism. Readers not only gain perspective on the daily struggles of someone living under a regime but also the grim challenge of trying to leave. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in history, particularly communism in Europe.
Reviewed by Theresa Kadair
OUR STAR RATING SYSTEM
1 star: Reviewer wouldn’t recommend this book at all.
2 stars: Reviewer wouldn’t read it again. Needs work.
3 stars: Reviewer enjoyed the book.
4 stars: Reviewer liked and would recommend the book to friends/family.
5 stars: Reviewer considers the book to be something that everyone should read. Reviewer would definitely read it again.
The Faraway Mountains
By Radu Guiasu
Histria Books, $29.99, 207 pages, Format: Hard
Star Rating: 4.5 / 5
Three friends travel to The Faraway Mountains before one of them escapes the oppressive regime of Romania and begins life in the West. Alex has been in the process of getting his passport for years, hoping to finally join his parents, who he hasn’t seen in three years after they went to Canada and decided not to come back. Dan and Victor join Alex on his trip, which has another purpose, to say goodbye to a friend they lost not long before, who just wanted to see the world, but was punished for his dreams.
Alex and his friends encounter strange locals, a bear and wild weather on their final hike together. They get to enjoy a little freedom, away from the prying eyes of the government, to be themselves and share their hopes and dreams. They each know that it is unlikely they will ever see each other again, as it will impossible to get back into Romania once you manage to get out. Alex will have to leave everything and everyone he loves behind in order to experience the freedom most North Americans take for granted. But he has to survive long enough to actually get on the plane.
My only critique of this story would be the disjointedness of the plot. There aren’t labels for the distant past and the more current past, so I got confused a few times when Gabriel’s or Dana’s story came up, not knowing exactly how it fit into the timeline. Other than that, it was incredibly interesting to see what life was like living under a dictatorship. This quote really stuck with me, “…in their East, only one version of history was allowed to survive.”
While Guiaşu is able to find humor in many of these situations, I can’t even imagine how hard it was to grow up in a communist country. Much of the story revolves around Alex just trying to get a passport. Some of these same stories appear in Guiaşu’s other work, A Good Day and Other (Mostly) Humorous Stories and Lists, but in a more light-hearted way.
I highly recommend that you check out both works as one will bring you joy and the other will open your eyes to a different way of life and the endurance of the human spirit. In The Faraway Mountains, you will also see the power of friendship at play and how we can withstand even the hardest of times when we have close friends. Take the time to broaden your horizons; you won’t regret it.
Reviewed by Christina Boswell
OUR STAR RATING SYSTEM
1 star: Reviewer wouldn’t recommend this book at all.
2 stars: Reviewer wouldn’t read it again. Needs work.
3 stars: Reviewer enjoyed the book.
4 stars: Reviewer liked and would recommend the book to friends/family.
5 stars: Reviewer considers the book to be something that everyone should read. Reviewer would definitely read it again.
"Guiasu addresses his characters' yearning and their complex feelings about their fates with great care. This succeeds as a story of fractured friendship."
"This week, I’ve been thoroughly absorbed by Radu Guiasu’s powerful depiction of friendship and determination in The Faraway Mountains. The book explores the lives of several young people living under a communist dictatorship, splitting between a group of friends on an expedition up a mountain – facing the perils of nature – and a talented pianist in the city desperate to escape. Exploring themes of friendship and surviving in a world that is inherently hostile toward you, the book delivers a remarkable insight into the reality of life beyond the Iron Curtain through the eyes of young people who have never seen life outside the painful rule of a dictatorship.
The human spirit is a difficult thing to sustain in a world that views people almost as if they were disposable commodities, and the ingredients needed to keep the flame of hope alive in such a context are elusive and often out of reach. But as Radu Guiasu explores in this seminal work, it isn’t impossible to retain your humanity and keep moving forward. His protagonists, each one rich in depth and nuance, form a powerful core in this narrative to show the reader how a better future can be fought for through the bonds we share with the people around us. Their friendship - and the journey that their friendship takes them on - is a beautiful contrast to the oppressive context in which The Faraway Mountains takes place, creating a powerful and moving portrayal of a single light burning brightly in a sea of darkness. As the story unfolds and the darkness threatens to overwhelm them, it is impossible not to spend page after page rooting for their journey to continue."
"The Faraway Mountains by Radu Guiasu is meticulously written and takes us behind the Iron Curtain after the Second World War. Is communism truly egalitarian? To find out, get a copy of this amazing book.
The Faraway Mountains by Radu Guiasu gives an enlightening glimpse of life behind the Iron Curtain. The adventures of Alex, Dan, and Victor while hiking in the mountains are an experience for the reader. I loved how vivid Radu was with his descriptions of events and places. It helped the reader form a mental picture of what was happening. The flawless flow of the plotline kept me glued to the book. The Faraway Mountains is thought-provoking not only on communism as a system of governance but also on our responsibilities in society. I am looking forward to reading something else from Radu, perhaps the life of Alex in Canada or a possible reunion with his friends."
"The Faraway Mountains is a work of fiction in the cultural issues, interpersonal drama, and adventure subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and was penned by author Radu Cornel Guiasu. In this highly engaging novel which also takes on a biographical tone with regard to recent history, we follow the exploits of two perspectives on life from different angles. A young pianist in an urban population works toward his idea of freedom whilst three friends climb a mountain and encounter the dangers of the wilderness. Both perspectives show the struggles and tensions of life during Communism and the power of friendship to get us through such times.
Author Radu Cornel Guiasu has a lot to offer readers in this highly immersive tale of the search for freedom, identity, and meaning, and he puts a lot of his own personal experience, culture, and attitude into the poignancy which we find as the plot is gradually revealed. It’s a slow-burning tale that focuses on character development from the off, and I was delighted to get to know the cast of characters more intimately and see the pressures and struggles that each of them brings to the mix. The descriptive quality of the work is outstanding, from the rough urban street scenes to the depictions of wild storms, raging waters, fierce creatures, and the people stuck in the middle of it all, just trying to survive. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend The Faraway Mountains as a must-read for fans of cultural, literary fiction that is heartfelt, original, and deeply engrossing."
"The 1980s in North American popular culture bring up for many of us the films of John Hughes and the birth of MTV. In his latest novel, "The Faraway Mountains," Radu Guiasu presents an engaging time capsule for a different kind of 80s nostalgia.
The last decade of the Cold War was a surreal period in communist Romania. A North Korean-style nightmare had arrived unexpectedly after more than 15 years of relative liberalization when a fleeting glimpse of the post-war Western culture and values raised false hopes for a return to a free society.
The book describes this reality through the eyes of three senior students of one of the remaining elite high schools in Romania's capital city. The story is set in the beautiful Carpathian Mountains and in Bucharest, a city once called "The Little Paris," at the time dressed in the gray hues of the Eastern Bloc color spectrum. From Kundera to Havel, the communist era writers used humor as a powerful antidote to the surrounding desolation. "The Faraway Mountains" was written 34 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, allowing humor to become a perfect "aide memoire" through classic jokes from that period, absurd situations, and an enchanting collection of descriptive vignettes that absorb and delight.
The prose is elegant and straightforward, the dialogues entertaining, and a message of hope amid confusion and insanity keeps the reader interested in finding the outcome of what seems to be a decisive year in the protagonists' lives."
"The book is a rare insight into ordinary life under communism in Europe at the end of the 20th C, and is thus a welcome contribution to a better understanding of that nefarious chapter in recent history.
Set against the dramatic beauty of the country and the depravity of its communist regime, it is an interesting take on the zeitgeist of the early 80s Romania.
Part bildungsroman, it follows the lives of friends intertwined, through a selection of snippets from high school to their last hike in the proverbial mountains – weary suds in the system’s cauldron.
Alex, the hero of this narrative, is an angry but determined young man. He is idealized as a noble – perhaps Dacian – warrior, at odds with an oppressive regime and his own destiny, as he ponders life on the cusp of emigrating.
There is a strong autobiographical thread, with some expected caveats.
There are exquisitely detailed depictions of the wondrous landscapes and culinary delights in proletarian tavernas, and bear stories around campfire, amid vivid sketches of nature. I particularly enjoyed the brief incursions into Dacian mythology.
The story has a steady flow, with crisp, clear prose and few tropes. The dialogue is engaging, although a bit stilted at times, and rather sanitized for young men on a bonding trip in the woods.
The story of Gabriel, talented pianist but naïve misfit with a misguided compass and eventual victim, smoothly coils around the main body.
This book is ultimately about enduring friendship. Embark on a humorous and enchanting journey of three young men and a much travelled and revered old Viennese piano – to say nothing of the dogs!"
"Sharp, elegantly complex, and compulsively readable…
In Guiasu’s intriguing historical novel, a treacherous hike through the mountains serves as the backdrop for men grappling with life under a harsh authoritarian regime. Victor, Alex, and Dan undertake the journey to find Gabriel, who vanished weeks earlier. As they traverse the rugged terrain, they face the menace of a lurking bear, venomous adders, colorful locals, storms, dangerous climbs, flooded caves, and other challenges.
Guiasu’s writing blends intellectual depth, emotional resonance, and artistic excellence, captivating readers with its portrayal of the characters’ struggles and triumphs. His straightforward prose effectively conveys complex ideas and themes, making political and social commentary accessible. The story explores philosophical inquiries and invites introspection on personal conflicts and societal issues. Satire and humor provide levity and critique political systems, while vivid imagery and rhythmic language deeply immerse readers in the setting. The stream-of-consciousness narrative offers intimate access to the characters’ inner turmoil, creating a deeper connection with their experiences. By presenting thoughts in a non-linear structure, the narrative mirrors the natural flow of human consciousness, capturing disorientation and emotional turbulence with striking authenticity. Guiasu’s characterization is outstanding. Victor, Alex, and Dan each have distinct personalities and motivations that shape their paths. Victor struggles with uncertainty and fears being left behind, while Alex is driven by loyalty and a desire for change. Dan, on the other hand, remains practical and open to new experiences. These differing responses highlight how people cope with uncertainty and seek meaning in the face of adversity. As they confront oppressive authority figures in their pursuit of freedom, the narrative’s tension and urgency escalate. The story reaches its peak during critical moments when the protagonists face their fears and confront the tyrannical regime, resulting in intense emotional stakes. The conclusion leaves the characters reflecting on their journeys rather than providing a neat resolution, aligning with themes of ongoing struggle and the complexities of life under dictatorship.
Throughout the novel, subtle acts of rebellion against the communist regime symbolize the characters’ assertion of identity and autonomy. Forbidden literature and private dissent serve as forms of resistance, while art and literature offer comfort and critique. The friendships between Victor, Alex, and Dan also embody resistance as they support each other and challenge societal norms. Their personal struggles reflect a quiet rebellion against oppression, mirrored in their journey through the mountains toward freedom. A thought-provoking novel that vividly depicts the complexities of resistance, while celebrating the enduring spirit of solidarity, self-expression, and the unwavering quest for freedom."
