A story of friendship, connection, and solidarity, The Faraway Mountains by Radu Guiasu is a moving recollection of life during the Communist era in Eastern Europe. Following the stories of friends Alex, Gabriel, Victor, and Dan, readers are given a window into the harsh realities of urban life under an oppressive regime, one full of hardship, lies, and scarcity.

In part one, the story begins with Alex, Victor, and Dan on an intense hiking trip. Between violent storms, hungry bears, and perilous cliffs, the men are kept on their toes. In between these challenges, they are able to discuss life freely, a stark contrast to when they are walking in the streets of their town. Romania is full of policemen, and even more secret policemen, who have their ears and eyes open for possible “traitors” of the regime. Always eavesdropping, they tap into telephone lines, disguise themselves as common people, and go out of their way to spot anyone who may be talking ill of their country.

But out in the remote mountains, finally, these friends can speak candidly. Discussing the future of their country, the horrid living conditions, the school brainwashing, and the increasing aggravation of these issues, readers gain a powerful insight into what life looks like under a dictatorship. A reminder of the privilege of free speech and democracy in Western countries, this part of the novel deepened my gratitude for what I often take for granted. Readers can take away the understanding of oppression, and how important it is to fight for freedom.

Part two of the novel, although it brings into play all of the characters, focuses the most on Alex. With plans to emigrate, he has become the target of many. Unexplainably kicked out of his university despite being a top student, followed and threatened by policemen, constantly on the alert for danger – this is the life of someone trying to escape a communist country. Fortunately, his parents had escaped years earlier. Now notable professors at a prestigious Western university, they are able to lobby for their son, bringing the Romanian authorities into the spotlight for Alex’s release to join them. An eye-opener to the restrictive systems suppressing those from escaping, this book shows just how impossible it can be to flee.

Overall, this book does an excellent job of discussing life under communism. Readers not only gain perspective on the daily struggles of someone living under a regime but also the grim challenge of trying to leave. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in history, particularly communism in Europe.