William Blacker lived in Romania from 1996 to 2004. He now divides his time between England, Italy and Romania. He has contributed articles and photographs to the Daily Telegraph, Ecologist, Art Newspaper and The Times. Latest publication: ALONG THE ENCHANTED WAY, John Murray, 09 July 09
When William Blacker first crossed the snow-bound passes of northern
Romania, he stumbled upon an almost medieval world. There, for many
years he lived side by side with the country people, a life ruled by
the slow cycle of the seasons, far away from the frantic rush of the
modern world. In spring as the pear trees blossomed he ploughed with
horses, in summer he scythed the hay meadows and in the freezing
winters gathered wood by sleigh from the forest.
From sheepfolds
harried by wolves, to courting expeditions in the snow, he experienced
the traditional way of life to the full, and became accepted into a
community who treated him as one of their own. But Blacker was also
intrigued by the Gypsies, those dark, foot-loose strangers of
spell-binding allure who he saw passing through the village. Locals
warned him to stay clear but he fell in love and there followed a
bitter struggle. Change is now coming to rural Romania, and William
Blacker's adventures will soon be part of its history.
From his early
carefree days tramping the hills of Transylvania, to the book's
poignant ending, Along the Enchanted Way transports us back to a
magical country world most of us thought had vanished long ago.
Reviews:
'This is a wild and captivating story ... William Blacker has written a book close to my heart.' Patrick Leigh Fermor, Sunday Telegraph
‘I cannot remember when I last read such an exquisitely written book; in many places it moved me to tears. It makes Blacker a worthy successor to Patrick Leigh Fermor and I do hope that our celebrity obsessed press will turn from their usual diet and alert thousands of readers to a real work of literature.’ Graham C. Greene
‘This book is a 'tour de force' ... I can think of no other instance of a writer having sunk himself so deeply into the life of a completely different community and class: not Gerald Brenan, not Norman Lewis, not even Thesiger ... it gave me hours of pleasure and fascination.’ John Julius Norwich
‘While his self-deprecating tone reveals that he never presumes himself to be anything but a foreigner in their midst, his love for the people and their environment is so evident that one can see why he was accepted.’ John de Falbe Spectator
‘Blacker has done an extraordinary thing with this intoxicating memoir ... telling a story that is almost impossibly romantic … written so well, so affectingly, delicately and always interestingly… it made me laugh and cry … It is far and away the best book about this part of the world.’ Jason Goodwin
‘This beautiful book is both a discovery of and lament for a way of life being eroded (with heartbreaking speed) by Western capitalism … recounted with humour, poetry and compassion. Enchanted indeed.’ Dan Linstead. Wanderlust Magazine
‘Warm and charming, providing a vivid picture of an immemorial culture in its final moments.’ Huon Mallalieu, Country Life
‘Written with such fluent and page turning charm ... he has pulled off a triumph ..’ Miranda Seymour
‘A lyrical description of an almost vanished way of life.’ Wendell Steavenson. Sunday Times |
