In 1989, the political landscape of the Eastern European country of Romania changed dramatically. No longer the Socialist Republic of Romania, it became a parliamentary democracy modeled on the American system. For most people, such a drastic change in ideology would come as a complete shock. But for the "children of the republic"-the last generation born in the kingdom of Romania-it was nothing new. They had seen four regime changes during their lifetime.
In this fascinating chronicle, authors Matei Cazacu, Ioana Creţoiu, and Ladislau G. Hajos relate their interviews with other members of their generation, preserving memories from the three different versions of this country-and fostering hope for the new Romania.
Cazacu, Creţoiu, and Hajos interview a wide variety of students and neighbors, whose reminiscences emphasize not just the challenges of living under a communist system but also the bright memories of their high school years-showing that while their classmates were aware of the changing political situation, they were still able to act very much like typical teenagers.
The Story of Our Generation captures the voices of these individuals, who kept their optimism and camaraderie through the many rebirths of a new Romania.
About the Author: Matei Cazacu was born in Sinaia, Romania, and currently lives in Paris, France. He received his master's degree from the University of Bucharest and his doctorate from the University of Paris 1-Panthéon. He now conducts research at the University of Paris X-Nanterre.
Ioana Creţoiu was born in Bucharest, Romania, and still lives there to this day. She became politically active after the events of 1989 and was deeply involved with the rebuilding of the country. Creţoiu received a degree in political science from the University of Bucharest and has campaigned for the political participation of women in the EU.
Ladislau G. Hajos has seen both sides of the Iron Curtain. Hajos studied electrical engineering at both the Polytechnic University in Bucharest and Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has since retired to West Palm Beach, Florida.
