Interview With Author Gabriel Roman
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
In 2017 at the Cluj County Library Gabriel participated in the specialization courses in the field of librarianship (module II) which was to end with a graduation exam consisting of three tests, one of which was writing a paper on a topic chosen by the candidate. Driven by an undisguised local patriotism, after studying several specialist books Gabriel chose to tackle the history of Arad and to present it very briefly in the paper entitled “Arad – multiculturalism and model of coexistence”.
Coming from a mixed Romanian-Hungarian family, Gabriel grew up in a district of Arad where almost all the inhabitants spoke fluent Romanian, Hungarian and German, and some of them even Serbian; without making much of a fuss about this state of affairs which was considered common in everyday life. Thus Gabriel learned from his childhood that mutual respect and mutual knowledge were the key to good coexistence between people of different nationalities, cultures or confessions. Gabriel realised in his adult years that Arad had a strong multicultural tradition that was worth promoting and continuing. So he decided to publish online the mentioned work, to which through study, hard work, at his own expense and with the help of his collaborators (some of them big, estabilished names in Arad local history research) Gabriel have added new chapters in the last four and a half years.
Without any lack of modesty, Gabriel believes that this collection is a valuable resource available to those interested in the city of Arad, as the topics presented have not been published so far in Romanian or English.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
In the last period I have translated and published 4 books in English about the history of Arad, all very well documented and based exclusively on proven historical facts. I believe that with these books I have filled a gap, so that now tourists visiting Arad, students studying in the city, as well as Arad citizens who have emigrated to different parts of the world or their descendants have the opportunity to learn about all the important aspects of the city’s history as well as to offer a beautiful and original gift to their loved ones. The four books are:
“True stories from Arad”
“Arad goes forward!”
“Arad – success stories”
“Palace on Zrinyi street. Small monograph of the Bohus Palace in Arad”
All are available in hardcover & paperback as well as in ebook format on Amazon and Google Books.
Two years ago we launched on Amazon a book about the history of the Neuman family, a famous family of industrialists famous in western Romania and southern Hungary who have distinguished themselves through an unparalleled involvement in the development of Arad.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t have unusual habits, but I like books based on real facts that respect historical reality written in an objective style and that portray the reality of those times in a non-partisan way that sides with one side or the other. Consequently, I strive to write or translate in the same style, trying to highlight the positive aspects that have contributed fundamentally to the aggregation of a multicultural and multiethnic community in Arad, which was and still is a model of peaceful coexistence.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite authors are Charles Dickens and Henry James who wove and molded their narrative on real historical events and facts in a remarkable style.
What are you working on now?
At the moment I am working and I hope that soon I will launch the Romanian edition of the book “Arad goes forward!” – in Romanian “Aradul merge înainte!” – a translation of the Hungarian work “Arad Halad!” by the most renowned historians who researched the history of Arad during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. We have incorporated an impressive volume of work there carried out over a period of 10 months, including several dozen pages of excerpts from the 1910 press that faithfully portray the image of Arad in 1910.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote my works on my blog accessible in Romanian at www.arad.zone and in Hungarian at www.aradvaros.com My works are also available on Amazon and Google Books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am not such an experienced writer and translator that I can afford the arrogance to make recommendations. One thing I can say with certainty, however, and that is that they should tackle tasks they like so that the results of their work will be guaranteed and the many hours, weeks and months of work will not seem like a chore.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’ve heard a lot and I’m still receptive to wise conclusions.
What are you reading now?
In momentul de fata citesc un ghid de calatorie desre Italia.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Inca nu stiu, dar daca voi primi un feedback pozitiv pentru munca depusa pana acum si voi decide sa continui, sigur voi aborda tot istoria orasului si regiunii Arad.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I’ll decide at the time, but one or two of the books will definitely be about that island 🙂
Author Websites and Profiles
Gabriel Roman’s Social Media Links