Love in the Countryside is a timeless classic, a hidden gem of Eastern European literature, a critically acclaimed masterpiece, and one of Romania's most beloved literary accomplishments. Honest, observant, touching, charming, elegant, authentic.
The author, Duiliu Zamfirescu, has been called "the Romanian Tolstoy." Love in the Countryside (original title, Viața la țară) immerses readers in the little-known world of 19th century Romania.
The young aristocrat Sasha Comaneshteanu has selflessly decided to forego marriage, dedicating her life to raising her younger, orphaned siblings. Her resolve is tested by the return from abroad of dashing Matei Damian, her childhood sweetheart. Meanwhile, her younger brother's romantic interest in Tincutza Murguletz is threatened by his impending move abroad and competition from a coarse upstart, Tanase Scatiu.