Poetry
Blestem
Not translated into English
Bogdan Istru · 1937
Synopsis
Early verses, published in Chișinău in 1937, which George Călinescu links to the manner of Arghezi, after experiments in that of Ion Barbu: the poet finds his own note there more surely, made up, according to the critic, of a savage invasion of shadows.
Context
The book was followed in 1938 by Moartea vulturului; these are the two volumes published before the Soviet annexation of 1940, and Călinescu mentions both in his History of Romanian Literature. The rest of the work changes in tone: poems to the party, to the building sites and to the heroes of the present day, then, late on, Popasuri (1989), in which some have recognised a sincere and profound lyric poet. In 1988, the poet signed the Letter of the 66, which called for a return to the Latin alphabet and for the name Romanian language.
Who it is for
In Romanian; a little Arghezi and Barbu helps one hear what the critic recognised in it.
Prizes and reception
Singled out by George Călinescu, who heard in it the poet's original note.