Romanian Literature Reaches Harvard Book Store, Cambridge, USA — with the Book “BETWEEN A KISS AND PAIN,” by Anișoara Laura Mustețiu
Romanian Literature Reaches the Shelves of One of the World’s Most Prestigious Bookstores — Harvard Book Store, Cambridge, USA — with the Book “BETWEEN A KISS AND PAIN,” Signed by the Author Anișoara Laura Mustețiu
This marks an impressive international recognition for the author who continues to write in Romanian — straight from the heart of Sydney, at the Antipodes.
Harvard Book Store was named by Forbes as one of the “World’s Best Bookstores” (2005) and has served the professors, students, and intellectuals of Harvard for nearly nine decades. It has received accolades from Publishers Weekly, Boston News, and was awarded “Best Virtual Author Series” (2020, 2021).
A Story About Love, Inner Strength, and Overcoming Adversity
“There is no lack of love, because love exists everywhere, in many forms. If love arises from within, it becomes endless… In life there are infinite aspects we can cherish… first and foremost, God,”
remains one of the author’s heartfelt messages.
In the pages of “BETWEEN A KISS AND PAIN,” published by the Romanian-Australian Book Club in March 2025, readers are invited into a powerful story that reveals the soul-wounds of a young girl who, prematurely deprived of parental protection, confronts loneliness and danger. As she faces these challenges, she grows stronger, choosing to walk alone through foreign lands in pursuit of a more dignified life. The process of recognizing and confronting trauma becomes the road to healing. Narrated by a mature woman reflecting on her past, the story weaves together dramatic events, perseverance, the fight against adversity, and a memorable love story.
Professor Aurelia Rînjea comments on the release:
“Following the success of The Price of Honour, another exceptional book has appeared — BETWEEN A KISS AND PAIN, by the well-known Romanian author, Anișoara Laura Mustețiu, a distinguished personality who proudly represents Romanian culture on a global scale. Written with the wisdom of a mature woman, this is a book of profound human emotions, beautifully revealed by the author. I echo her closing words:
A woman has the power to turn a love into an immortal legend! This book is living proof.”
A Touching and Unexpected Recognition
The author received news of the book’s acceptance at Harvard Book Store on a Christian holiday — the Feast of the Annunciation.
“This is a recognition I never dreamed of, but it happened as if by miracle. I hope that in the future I will also receive support and appreciation from Romanian bookstores,” shared the author.
The book was enthusiastically received by readers worldwide — especially in the village of Bucerdea Vinoasă (Alba County), where the author’s grandparents once lived and which she calls “my corner of paradise.” Born and raised in Timișoara until the age of 19, she later emigrated abroad.
“BETWEEN A KISS AND PAIN” has been published in Romanian, English, and other languages, and is available through international bookstores including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Thalia, Rakuten Kobo, Apple Books, and Google Play Books.
A Growing Literary and Cultural Impact
Anișoara Laura Mustețiu is not only a writer but also an active promoter of Romanian culture abroad. Editor at Radio ProDiaspora and founder of Emoții și Lumină magazine in Sydney, she continues to build bridges between Romanian literature and international audiences. She is a member of the Romanian-Australian Academy of Culture and has published poetry and prose in numerous literary journals across Romania and abroad.
Through this international recognition, Romanian literature has made its presence felt in an elite academic setting, and Anișoara Laura Mustețiu proves that literary passion and authenticity can transcend any boundary.
