The Accident
A tale of love and fate in 1930s Romania
Mihail Sebastian author Stephen Henighan translator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Biblioasis
Published:21st Jul '11
Currently unavailable, our supplier has not provided us a restock date
A poignant love story set in 1930s Romania, The Accident explores the complexities of attraction and fate between two individuals.
Available for the first time in English, The Accident is a novel that delves into themes of love and betrayal, captivating readers across Europe. Mihail Sebastian, a prominent Central European storyteller from the early twentieth century, has seen his work rediscovered by new generations. His previous publication, Journal 1935-1944: The Fascist Years, introduced his writing to English-speaking audiences and received widespread acclaim, with Philip Roth noting its significance alongside Anne Frank's Diary. This new release marks the debut of his fiction in English, expanding his literary influence.
Set against the backdrop of the Bucharest art scene in the 1930s and the picturesque Transylvanian mountains, The Accident tells a deeply romantic story. The chance encounter between Paul and Nora unfolds along snowy ski trails and within a mysterious family cabin, revealing an attraction that is both magnetic and repulsive. Their journey is not just about love but also about the complexities of fate and human connection, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate intricate relationships.
Mihail Sebastian's life was marked by significant challenges, including the impact of anti-Semitic legislation that forced him to abandon his public career. His literary contributions, including novels and plays, have gained recognition throughout Europe and beyond. The publication of The Accident is a testament to his enduring legacy and the power of storytelling to transcend cultural boundaries.
"The Accident, translated by Stephen Henighan, would be a marvel of beauty and control under any circumstance; that it was written by a Jew in Romania in 1940 seems miraculous... The crystalline note of [Sebastian's] insight, so clear in the novel and so poignantly ironic in Mihail Sebastian's life, rings out across the decades." --Wall Street Journal "Long a respected name in European circles, Sebastian, a lawyer, playwright, intellectual and novelist who grimly suffered through a succession of anti-Semitic cruelties and indignities during the Second World War only to be fatally hit by a truck after the war ended, enjoyed a flurry of English-language attention about a decade ago with the translation of his war-era diary, Journal 1935-1944: The Fascist Years (which won rare praise from Philip Roth, incidentally, among many others). One hopes this new book, whose lyricism and depth of feeling have been made wonderfully apparent thanks to Stephen Henighan's elegant translation, will only expand his English readership." --The National Post "Mihail Sebastian's The Accident is a compelling mercurial novel. ...[It] can be enjoyed for the dynamic, confused love story it presents as well as for its historical relevance." --ForeWord Review "a beautifully written and translated story, which brings vividly to life the intellectually and artistically bustling Romania of the 1930s." --Jewish Independent
ISBN: 9781926845166
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 326g
320 pages