Romanian literature reaches the shelves of one of the world’s most prestigious bookstores, Harvard Book Store, Cambridge, USA, with the book “Between Kiss and Pain,” (in Romanian and English) written by author Anișoara Laura Mustețiu.
This marks an impressive international recognition for the writer, who continues to create in the Romanian language from the heart of Sydney, from the Antipodes.
Harvard Book Store was named by Forbes as one of the “best bookstores in the world” (2005) and has served Harvard’s professors, students, and intellectuals for nine decades. It has received multiple accolades, including awards from Publishers Weekly, Boston News, and the Best Virtual Author Series award (2020, 2021).
A Story of Love, Inner Strength, and Overcoming Adversity
“There is no lack of love because love exists everywhere in different forms. If love begins within, it becomes infinite… In life, there are countless things to love… first and foremost, God,” remains one of the author’s messages.
Anișoara Laura Mustețiu.
Foto: Cătălin Anastase
In the pages of “Between Kiss and Pain,” published by the Romanian-Australian Book Club in March 2025, readers are invited to discover a deeply moving story that reveals the emotional wounds of a young girl who, prematurely deprived of parental protection, faces loneliness and the dangers surrounding her.
As she confronts difficulties, she grows stronger. She embarks alone on the roads of foreign lands to forge a better, more dignified path in life. The process of recognizing and confronting trauma, of understanding it more deeply, becomes her path to healing.
Narrated by a mature woman reflecting on her past, the story weaves together themes of dramatic events, perseverance, resilience against adversity, and an unforgettable love story.
A Recognition of Remarkable Literature
Professor Aurelia Rînjea highlights:
“After the successful novella The Price of Honor, a new exceptional book has emerged—Between Kiss and Pain, written by the renowned Romanian author Anișoara Laura Mustețiu, a distinguished personality representing Romanian culture with great honor worldwide. This novel is crafted with the wisdom of a mature woman. It explores profound human emotions that the author beautifully unveils throughout the narrative.
I join the author in her final words: ‘A woman has the power to transform love into an immortal legend! Proof of this is found in this very book.’”
A Heartfelt and Unexpected Recognition
The author received the news of her book’s acceptance at Harvard Book Store in Cambridge on a special Christian holiday—The Annunciation.
“It is a recognition I never dreamed of, but it happened as if by miracle. I hope that, in the future, I will receive support and appreciation from bookstores in Romania as well,” states the author.
Her book has been enthusiastically received by readers from all around the world, especially in the village where her grandparents lived—Bucerdea Vinoasă, Alba County, which she lovingly calls “my little paradise.”
The author was born and lived in Timișoara until the age of 19 before emigrating abroad.
“Between Kiss and Pain” has been published in Romanian and English and is available in renowned international bookstores such as 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 supporter of Romanian culture abroad.
As an editor at Radio ProDiaspora and the founder of the Emoții și Lumină magazine in Sydney, she continues to promote literature and build bridges between Romanian culture and the international public.
She is a member of the Romanian-Australian Academy of Culture and has published poetry and prose in numerous literary magazines in Romania and abroad.
Through this international recognition, Romanian literature makes its presence known in a prestigious academic environment, and Anișoara Laura Mustețiu proves that literary passion and authenticity can transcend borders.
📰 Emoții și Lumină Magazine
The book can be ordered directly from Harvard Book Store, Cambridge, here.
and is available for purchase through international book stores here HERE:
