’I was pleased to see hundreds, if not thousands, of works at Bookfest by American authors’
– I have met you for the first time at ‘BOOKFEST’ (where ‘The U.S.A.’ has been honor guest). What have been the most relevant books / authoros from The U.S.A. translated / presented at this edition?
– I was pleased to see hundreds, if not thousands, of works at Bookfest by American authors. We were very pleased to have sponsored four female authors from the United States who each had different stories to tell in different ways. I think this illustrates the most interesting part of American literary tradition: its richness and breadth.
– Which have been – by your opinion – the most interesting events of ‘BOOKFEST’? A general impression about this edition…
– What impressed me the most is the number and variety of attendees: tens of thousands of people, some young, some older, some in between. Government officials, authors, scholars, school children, retirees, people from all walks of life coming together to celebrate the power of books and taking part in the free exchange of ideas.
– What cultural events will be dedicated by The U.S.A. Embassy to the 4th of July?
– The Embassy will host our annual Independence Day event for officials and contacts of the Embassy. But I think more important than just one day of celebration is the ideals which led to our Independence, ideals such as basic civil rights, freedom, and democracy, are celebrated year-round through a large variety of programs and events throughout Romania, including at our nine American Corners in Bacau, Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Constanta, Craiova, Iasi, Baia Mare, Targu-Mures, and Timisoara.
– Do you have a message for the readers of this interview?
– The message I have is the same message Ambassador Klemm and President Iohannis gave during their opening remarks at Bookfest: books, and reading, are important to a vibrant democracy, and I encourage people to read more and teach their children the joys and power of reading.
– A part of this interview will be published …on the other side of The Atlantic Ocean; do you have a message for the people who will read it?
– That Romania is a steadfast partner of the United States and we greatly value our relationship, both from the official and personal perspectives.
Interview made by Ioan Iacob
