Alex Duvan, publishing as Tudor Alexander, penned this timely tribute to his Romanian parents and grandparents as a sensitive and honestly wrought historical family drama. The biographical novel covers nearly five decades in the life of Kostea Bardu, a Romanian surgeon. The story turns full circle, starting from the moment Clara Bardu, Kostea’s wife, goes into labor with their son Toddy near the outset of Kostea’s career in Russian-controlled Bucharest until he tends to his final patient, once again Clara, as she negotiates the ravages of cancer in the United States.

The emotionally poignant plot juxtaposes chapters devoted to Kostea with chapters devoted to Clara, who is also an accomplished physician, and with chapters starring the couple’s son Toddy, Clara’s mother, and Kostea’s mother. The family deals with many hardships during their years in Romania, especially during the Russian occupation from 1944–1954. While Kostea is often tempted to defect to the West as opportunities arise, he instead toes the line and nurtures the private and political connections necessary to protect his close-knit family and polish his social standing in Bucharest. A big fish in a little pond, Kostea is often unaware of how his temperament affects others while his achievements and his ego expand beyond his empathy for his family and friends.

Alexander’s portrayal of the proud, misogynistic man is memorable, and his quiet but articulate prose supports the character-driven, literary ambiance. The author seems at his best while delivering the ever-increasing tension marking the years before Kostea nearly loses all he’s worked for during a midlife crisis. Love and loyalty, loss and resilience, and the drive for survival at all costs make this novel a celebratory reminder of the humanity present in every nation and culture around the globe.

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