Histria Books is pleased to announce the release of the paperback edition of A Bach Concert, by Hortensia Papadat-Bengescu and illustrated by Olga Rogozenco, with an introduction by A.K. Brackob. The book is published by the Center for Romanian Studies, an independent academic research institute, based in the United States, whose mission is to promote knowledge and understanding of Romanian history and culture worldwide. Titles from the Center for Romanian Studies are published exclusively by Histria Books.
One of the first successful novels written by a female author in Romania, Hortensia Papadat-Bengescu’s A Bach Concert remains a classic work of Romanian literature. Originally published in 1927 in Romanian, the novel follows the life of the Hallipa family. The main plot revolves around a Bach concert organized by Elena Hallipa-Draganescu for the elite society of Bucharest. It’s a story of high society intrigue, family tragedy, East European urban life after World War I, and culture. Published for the first time in English, Hortensia Papadat-Bengescu’s realistic novel will delight its readers with stories of this long-forgotten era.
Midwest Book Review says “Of particular appeal to readers with an interest in World War I historical romance fiction. A ‘time lost’ classic that is now brought back into print for a new generation of appreciative readers.”
Hortensia Papadat-Bengescu was born in 1876 in Galati, Romania. After her marriage with General Nicolae Papadat at only 20 years old, her literary career was stalled because of frequent military relocations and the need to care for her three children. She started publishing stories in literary magazines and in 1919 she published her first novel. Unfortunately, after a long life filled with literary accomplishments and collaborations, she died, forgotten by her friends and former colleagues at the age of 79.
Olga Rogozenco is a talented young artist from Chisinau, Moldova. Her other works include illustrations for other Classics of Romanian Literature volumes, including Pirin Planina, and The Hatchet.
