Romania Under Communist Rule

by Dennis Deletant

This book is the first synthesis of the history of communism in Romania, from the founding of the Romanian Communist Party in 1921 to the revolution that led to the downfall of communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu in December 1989. This book is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand the development of communism in Romania and the impact of four decades of communist rule on Romanian society.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

204 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Alin Ierima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oferă informații concise. Frazele sunt uneori atât de întinse încât sunt greu de urmărit, sau nu se înțelege concluzia la care autorul încearcă să ajungă.

[Roxana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seems pretty objective, even though I'm sure some cherry picking of situations was used. It ends with questions, as it should, since an official description of the events of the revolution is not yet available. And it describes only one "conspiracy"? theory, the one coming from the Romanian Security Service about those events.

What surprised me is that it's easy to read. It's definitely not a a school text book. It is quite captivating. The author knows what and how to talk about...

[Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing the entire book in the goals of learning a good portion of the cold war history on Romania and and in depth view for personal interest and that of academic choice, i have found that this is am amazing book containing heaps of in depth information with accurate information from the authors own research experience on te topic as well as a complimation of other statistics,accouts and figures throughts the book used to back up the work with those of other great works, all in all if you wish to learn of this period in Romania's history i highly reconmend this book, but to conclude the end of the regime i would pair it by reading "The Romanian Revolution of December 1989" by Peter Siani-Davies, which should academically tackle any final questions on the revolution itself if you had any other questions specifically on that key note.

[GooseReadsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent little introduction book for anybody who would like a general overview of the history of Communism in Romania. The book explains the origins of the communist party in Romania and its complex relationship with the Soviet Union, especially regarding the territorial integrity of Romania.

The book has an excellent chapter charting the origins of the major figures in Romanian politics between the 1940s and the mid-50s. More importantly, the book presents a nuanced argument about the motivations behind the removal of Ana Pauker (interestingly, the book states that antisemitism was unlikely the cause of her removal).

I also found the chapter charting the end of Communist rule in Romania interesting. In this the author showed a great understanding of the different mechanics at play during that historical moment.

I have to say, though, that the book might lack the detail that will allow the reader to feel they have a true grasp of the subject. I was left with many questions about the economics of the country. I also felt that what was really missing was an in-depth analysis of the character of Ceaușescu, who ultimately came to be the face of communism in Romania. I would also have liked to learn more about Elena Ceaușescu, but I understand that it is a short book, so it's not meant to be a tome on their lives and ideology.

This is an excellent reminder of the brutality and reality of communism. These stories are a testimony to the extreme lengths that ideological 'purity' can take us and the real damage they do to people's lives. The fall of communism in Romania was not peaceful. It was won with blood and suffering. The fall of a tyrant should be celebrated, but we must use their stories as cautionary tales for rulers who believe they serve a worthy cause.

[Dominic Muresan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author uses explicitly religious language when talking about the early communists in Romania, which, as the book goes on, is fitting. Idk if its the way it was written (masterfully actually) or something else, but it provoked in me a profound sense of nausea; how could this people be so ideologically blind? It doesn't help that the author specifically chose and presented some of the most tragic events of the regime.

[Nichita Danilov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely informative and a concise account of the communist experience in Romania. Leaves you with an eagerness to know more.

[Emma Ioana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really comprehensive and fascinating.