Sorana Gurian Romanian and French writer and translator Date of Birth: 18.11.1913 Country: Romania

1. Childhood and Education
2. Early Literary Career in Romania
3. Exile and French Writing
4. Illness and Final Works
5. Legacy

Childhood and Education

Sorana Gurian was born Sara Gurfinkel in Comrat, Bessarabia (now Moldova) on August 14, 1913. Her father, Isaac Gurfinkel, was a local doctor. After her mother's early death, Gurian received a traditional education at home in Comrat before attending the Princess Ileana Girls' High School in Tigina (now Bender), completing her baccalaureate in 1931.

Early Literary Career in Romania

In 1931, Gurian enrolled at the University of Iasi, where she studied philology. During her time there, she began writing articles and short stories. In 1938, she published three novellas in the Romanian magazine "Lumea." Gurian later moved to Bucharest, where she joined the anti-fascist underground during World War II.

Exile and French Writing

After the war, Gurian became a professional journalist. In 1946, she published her first novel, "These Days Will Never Return," which brought her widespread recognition in Romania. Following an article calling for press freedom, Gurian was dismissed from her job and left for Israel in 1949. Two years later, she moved to Paris.

In Paris, Gurian transitioned to writing in French. Her first French novel, "The Maille du Filet" (1950), was based on real events in Romania. In 1952, she published her earlier Romanian novel, "Les jours qui ne reviennent jamais," and its sequel, "Ruthless Love."

Illness and Final Works

In 1954, Gurian was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite undergoing two operations, the disease returned. During a brief remission, she wrote a poignant account of her illness, "Récit d'un combat," which was published posthumously in 1956.

Legacy

Sorana Gurian died in Paris on January 23, 1956. Her novels have been translated into numerous languages, including Spanish, Italian, German, and Romanian. A street in São Paulo, Brazil bears her name.