Difa Cooper Le Levant

"Le Levant" is a captivating novel by Mircea Cartarescu that tells the adventures of young Manoïl, who rebels against the tyranny of his people. In a blend of reality and fantasy, Manoïl embarks on a journey that takes him across seas, underground, and into the skies. Accompanied by his sister Zénaïde, the French lover Languedoc Brillant, the Greek pirate Yaourta, and other fascinating characters, an epic narrative unfolds that is both humorous and profound. The novel is divided into twelve cantos and features a variety of literary elements, including pastiche, poetry, and postmodern digressions. Cartarescu plays with the lyrical and narrative conventions of the 19th century, exploring the role of poetry in a political context. "Le Levant" is a significant work of Romanian literature and is considered a classic in its homeland.