Train to Trieste by Domnica Radulescu

With her debut book, “Train to Trieste,” Dominica Radulescu writes the incredibly journey of seventeen-year-old Mona Manoliu and her struggles with the basic need for a woman- love- in a time of hunger, fear, and death. In the magical summer of 1977, Mona falls in love with Mihai, a mountain boy that sings melancholic melodies in his guitar, and spends the hot days in sensual pleasures with only the earth and the sky as her witnesses. This blissful time is quickly shattered by the secret police, the Stalinist regime that rules her country, and suspicions that Mihai may be one of them. Living under scarcity, paranoia, and fear for her life, Mona flees Romania to the United States without saying good-bye to her beloved Mihai. Years later, when she is a Doctoral student, married, and with children, Mona questions her decision from twenty years ago and is compelled to go back to her country to find the truth. The resolution, although shocking and riveting, brings a satisfaction and happiness; the true mark of a great writer.


This was perhaps one of the most touching stories that I had ever read. The sensorial language and the artistry in which the words are woven to tell the tale of Mona, connected me greatly with the character. I felt her love, passion, and anguish throughout the story. I have to say that for a debutante writer, Dominica Radulescu, created a magnificent story. I felt a great connection to her, as if she was speaking to me, almost in a luring way. Enchanting and beautiful, but at the same time chaotic and strong, Mona was a girl that I could envision and almost touch as if she were real. Fantastic in every way, I just simply loved it.

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