‘NEVER MIND THE BALKANS, HERE’S ROMANIA‘
57 short stories set in Romania. Some funny, some not. Close your guide book and meet the people.
“Romania has found itself a British Caragiale. The book makes you die laughing.” (
Cotidianul)
“If you’re going to Romania, it’s better than a guide-book” (Tribune UK)
“Likeable, lucid, with a big soul and a lot of humour, the English journalist offers neither a façade, nor caricature, but today’s Romania.” (Formula AS)
“A direct link to foreign travel writers of previous centuries in Romania, such as John Paget, James Henry Skene, Emily Gerard and Sacheverell Sitwell” (Wikipedia)
Unii critici l-au descris pe autor ce pe un ‘Ion Luca Caragiale britanic’, iar unul dintre ei a perceput o legătură directă cu alți scriitori străini care au călătorit prin România în secolele trecute, precum John Paget, James Henry Skene, Emily Gerard și Sacheverell Sitwell. Wiki in Romanian
Grand Bazar Romania is the Romanian translation by Vlad A. Arghir (and very well done, say some Romanians)
‘BUCHAREST TALES‘ (2011) includes 3 of my stories > 
‘Mother Tongue’ and ‘The Promised Land’ (both commissioned).
‘Democracy’ from the collection above.
On “never mind the balkans…” Which i have just finished on kindle: My husband taught in Sibiu, from 96 to 98, and i visited often. Haven’t been back since, which is why i was interested in your book. Many things remind me of China 1994-2008, cruelty to animals included. Although the chinese are less likely to let perfectly edible fresh roadkill rot. Interestingly, the only person in the family who really understood my experiences of 94-96 in the Chinese provinces was my Latvian grandpa in the US. Who had never been to Asia in his life. I am trying to name a common denominator here, obviously without success… Just to let you know that one could tell most of these stories with a Chinese backdrop (i am a trained sinologist, fluent in mandarin), and they would ring just as true. Thanks for the enjoyable read!
HI Mike, Pat Mc Gettigan here,Mike Stevens (your old school teacher) was in our
house today and mentioned your name, he thought you were still in the alps. you
look like you are very busy man with all your activities. How are you,married?
kids?. I got this Ipad for Xmas so I,m busy writing to everyone. Susan is visiting
at the moment and send her love. Best wishes Pat.
Hello,
I’ve just finishd reading your short stories about Romania. I am Romanian so , even if to some may sound funny, they somehow made feel a bit sad. You are a keen observer. You are so right! Thank you for showing the good parts, too.