Bookfest is back in Chisinau for its eighth edition
Bookfest is back in Chisinau for its eighth edition, showcasing a rich cultural exchange from both sides of the Prut River. The International Book Fair opened on Wednesday at the "Mediacor" Center, featuring over 40,000 volumes recently published by 30 publishing houses from Romania and the Republic of Moldova. The event invites readers, teachers, students, and all book enthusiasts to explore this vast collection.
From the very first hours of Bookfest Chisinau's opening, visitors have shown great interest in exploring the book-filled stands.
“I love coming here because several publishers are gathered in one place, and I can find many wonderful books for both myself and my children,” said a visitor.
“I visit to discover new books and to enjoy adding to my personal library at home,” shared another visitor.
“I bought 'When You Are Happy, Hit First' by Tatiana Ţâbuleac. I already own her other books,” said People's Artist Maria Mocanu.
This year's Bookfest Chisinau features some of the most acclaimed contemporary poets from France, Portugal, Croatia, and Spain. Their verses, translated into Romanian, have been compiled by Valeriu Stancu in three volumes.
Valeriu Stancu, the author of the anthology, emphasizes the importance of the project, stating, "This project is very significant because, until now, we have lived in a culturally divided Europe. This marks a first poetic spiritual union."
French poet Beatrice Bonhomme adds, "It is a beautiful collection, and we are honored to participate in it because it represents a true vision of poetry across Europe."
Among the releases on the first day of Bookfest is Maria Bulat-Saharneanu's novel, "The Sun Is Late to Rise."
"It's a book about us and what we've experienced over the last 100 years. I believe we should know our history," says the author.
For publishers on both sides of the Prut River, the book fair represents more than just a cultural event; it serves as a space for dialogue and the exchange of authentic values.
"It's an opportunity to come together in a shared space, which is crucial to prevent us from dividing ourselves into regions and other separations," explains publicist Gheorghe Erizanu.
"We are featuring some of the most important representatives of Romanian and European literature, including Mircea Cărtărescu, Ioana Nicolae, Radu Paraschivescu, Cristian Preda, and Sabina Fati. This is a showcase of Romanian literature right here at home in Chișinău," says Lidia Bodea, vice president of the Romanian Publishers' Union.
The event is held under the patronage of Presidents Maia Sandu and Nicușor Dan, a clear expression of joint support for the promotion of cultural values.
"We live in a world where lies spread faster than the truth. The book is an antidote against this poisoning, it teaches us to think with our own minds, it helps us make the right choice. Every page read is a small victory over manipulation", says President Maia Sandu.
Bookfest Chisinau will continue until Sunday, September 7, with book launches, debates, autograph sessions and dialogues with writers.
