Reviews
Sample of reviews on Amazon
Sample of early reviews on Amazon
Andrei Moldoveanu, June 8, 2026, 5 stars
A Powerful and Thought-Provoking Historical Novel
Reading about the long list of antisemitic laws and restrictions imposed in Romania during the years between the two world wars helps one understand the immense challenges faced by Jewish communities at that time. Against that backdrop, it becomes easier to see why many young people were drawn to the promise of a new society based on equality and justice. For many, communism appeared to offer that hope.
In In Darkness and Light, Tudor Alexander brings this complex period to life through the story of Tina and those around her. The novel vividly portrays the hardships experienced by Jewish youth under the fascist Romanian regime and explores how communist ideals, often expressed through simple yet powerful slogans, captured the imagination of a generation seeking a better future.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its portrayal of the dramatic shift that followed the end of World War II, when communism came to power with the support of the Soviet Union. Through well-developed characters and compelling storytelling, Alexander shows how early optimism and idealism gradually gave way to disillusionment and despair.
While historians have written extensively about this turbulent era, In Darkness and Light succeeds in something equally important: it helps readers feel the human impact of these historical events. Through Tina’s experiences, the reader gains a deeper understanding of the hopes, struggles, and disappointments of ordinary people caught in extraordinary times.
This is an engaging, insightful, and emotionally resonant novel that will appeal to readers interested in history, politics, and the human stories behind major historical transformations.
Thank you, Tudor Alexander, for writing such a meaningful and thought-provoking book.
Craig David Singer, June 25, 2026, 5 stars
A Gorgeous Book
I received an early review copy of this novel from the author. As he did with The Last Patient, Tudor Alexander has crafted another outstanding and beautifully written tale of ordinary lives caught up in extraordinary times. The poignant love story of the central characters, Tina and Iulian, is especially compelling. I deeply felt each of these character's joys, pains, and uncertainties as they navigated through their slowly darkening and decaying world in post-WWII communist Romania. The historical aspects of the novel, based on true events, are profound and often heartbreaking. Yet the ending is as lovely as a sunset - full of hope for a new day to come.
Amanda Mannon, May 29, 2026, 3 stars
I received this as a free download ARC copy. This one was a little slow for me. It was my first read regarding WW II Romania. Learning all of the different regions & character names was a struggle at the beginning. This would probably be more suited for those that are interested in that era & region of HF books.
Cindy T. Rizzo, July 12, 2026, 4 stars
Based on A true Life Account
The book opens with Tina, a Jewish young woman living in Romania after WWII, working for a blind journal editor, Iulian, and then later marrying him. We are then taken back to the earlier years of both characters before and during WWII. Tina's family is deported to Transnistria with other Romanian Jews and withstands years of hardship until the Russians arrive.
Both Tina and Iulian are dedicated communists and party members, but as the post-war years go by, each becomes disillusioned.
This book is based on the life of the author's mother-in-law and provides a good overview of the life and treatment of Romanian Jews during this time period.
It is a decent historical novel about subjects not usually covered in other WWII and post-WWII stories.
David Albert July 11, 2026, 5 stars
A deep and beautifully crafted novel
Alexander's writing is both artful and meaningful. He makes the Jewish Romanian experience come alive. His characters are engrossing and the drama, passion, and pain of their experiences are gripping. He also provides a unique understanding of life behind the iron curtain: the idealism that drove the Communists as well as their pain as their utopian dream unraveled. Truly a great read!
Lynsey, June 22, 2026, 2 stars
Interesting but hard to get into
I really wanted to like this one. I thought the perspective was cool and it was interesting to learn about things that happened outside the concentration camps, but I found the story a little dull and hard to get into.
Andrei Roman, June 1, 2026, 5 stars
A great novel of the 20th century
A love story and bildungsroman set in 20th century Eastern Europe, "In Darkness and Light" is also the saga of the troubled times when you could go to sleep in a country and wake up the next morning in another one; when you could live the life of a normal teenager only to find yourself deported with your family, under horrible conditions, by a fascist regime; and when the Communism you believed in as a young idealist ends up wanting to control every aspect of your life.
The novel follows its protagonist, Tina, as she grows up, falls in love and does her best to build her own life, family and career, while politics and history keep intruding. Can she do it while staying true to herself, without compromising her humanity? Read Tudor Alexander's latest novel and join Tina on her journey.
T Llanso, May 31, 2026, 5 stars
A Life Impacted by War and Ideology
This book follows the story of Dr. Tina Friedman, from her childhood in Campulung, Moldova, her life in Romania, including Timisoara and Bucharest, and her decision to emigrate to Israel decades later. Along the way, we learn about her Jewish family, her interest in the ideals of Soviet-inspired communism, medical school, her marriages, and the dark days of World War II, where she and other Romanian Jews were forced to relocate to Transnistria. A central theme of the book is Tina’s slow and painful realization that the lofty principles of communism collide with its practical realization (“Communism was perfect in theory, and disappointing when given to imperfect people to implement.”). I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was interested to learn in the Author’s Note that the book is based in part on the life of the Author’s mother-in-law, Dr. Margit Moscuna.
LULU, June 3, 2026, 4 stars
Interesting historical fiction based on true story
In Darkness and Light is an emotional and interesting historical fiction novel about a young Jewish woman, Dr Tina Friedman. It spans from before World War 2 and through to the 1960s. Tudor writes a vivid and honest description of the troubled times of Romania through the years. It’s based on the true story of his mother-in-law’s life. Romania was once ruled by Germany, but became a part of the communist block under Russia.
Tina’s childhood was in Campulung, Moldova. She and other Romanian Jews were forced to relocate to Transnistria during the War. Later Tina was in Timisoara and Bucharest, Romania. To counter her Jewish heritage Tina took an interest in the ideals of Soviet-inspired communism, and joined the Party, along with many other Jews. Gradually the Jews became disillusioned with the realities of the communist party regime. It was not as fair as claimed it to be. There’s sadness and struggle, survival and escape.
Jeffrey Boutwell, June 16, 2026, 4 stars
George Rodneb, May 31, 2026, 3 stars
Fictional Biography based on real life experience
Tudor Alexander's “In Darkness and Light” provides a compelling portrait of a tumultuous era in Romanian history, shedding light on the nuanced experiences of Jewish families. The novel's richly rendered historical detail and immersive atmosphere are particularly engaging. Readers with an interest in 20th-century European history, especially Romania's transition to communism, will find much to admire in these pages.
Joram P, May 28, 2026, 5 stars
Tudor Alexander’s new novel, In Darkness and Light, complements Planet New York and The Last Patient as stand-alone fictional memoirs based on his life-journey from birth in 1950 in Romania to immigration in 1977 to the United States. In Darkness and Light starts with idealistic Tina Friedman, the major character, having a job interview with Comrade Iulian Frau, a blind, esteemed, irresistibly charming poet and amateur violinist in charge of a major publication, who becomes her great love and husband. Both Tina and Iulian are deeply committed to communism during its promising early stages in Romania but suffer the consequences when it develops into an oppressive dictatorship. Thus, the novel’s story is about the interwoven challenges, loves, disappointments and losses of Tina and Iulian, their friends and professional colleagues, and Tina’s siblings and mother (modeled after the author’s real mother-in-law). The novel’s title, In Darkness and Light, encapsulates the hardships and losses (the darkness) and escapes and survival (the light) of their lives. Written in a straightforward, poetic and sensitive style, the novel focuses on obstacles and human suffering, the importance of family, immigration, and, ultimately, adaptation. The author’s first-hand knowledge of communism in Romania gives the novel unquestioned authenticity. The same can be said of Alexander’s two preceding fictional memoirs. Although indirect, comparison of some descriptions of the autocratic government of Romania at the time with today’s turmoil in the U.S. administration might be taken as a warning of possible dangers of a budding autocracy, making Romanian history a timely topic. A final point that should not be missed is the philosophical gems throughout the novel. One that will remain with me occurs in the last chapter and hits a central theme of the book: Accepting reality is not a compromise. Indeed! I strongly recommend this riveting fictional memoir embracing believable characters that became my friends surviving and adapting in a troubled world, which left me a richer person with new perspectives.
Lauren Goodsmith, May 29, 2026, 5 stars
A moving work of fact-based historical fiction
The novel features the author’s typically deft interweaving of personal and national histories: the troubled but long-lasting relationship between Tina, a young, idealistic communist, and Iulian, a brooding, damaged man, blinded in a self-inflicted adolescent incident, who has risen in the party despite his deeply troubled past.
The alternating of chapters between time periods may initially cause some confusion, but becomes an effective way of demonstrating how indelibly interwoven the characters’ past experiences are with their more current actions, and with the tide of history.
A sequence in which the Jewish residents of one community are forced, in compliance with an ordinance issued by the Fascist government, to pack a single bag of belongings and crowd onto a filthy cattle car for transportation is especially searing. Their encounter with the released denizens of a local asylum and a perilous crossing up an icy river are vividly described. Elsewhere, descriptions of countryside scenes or of quiet town life are lyrical and evocative. Other brief, striking passages abound; a destitute family relishing a rare (and forbidden) meal of freshly-caught fish; a bouquet of dandelions proffered in affection; a sightless man reaching out to touch the hand of a friend, but grasping only empty air.
The author is unafraid of having a male protagonist who is prickly and not particularly likable, and it is to his credit that the love that the more empathetic, perceptive Tina feels for him is credibly portrayed. So, too, is Tina’s gradual disenchantment with the Communist party as she witnesses the growing discrepancies between its stated ideals and its actions.
Don’t fail to read the moving ‘Author’s Note’ that closes the volume and describes how this tale was inspired by the experiences of his mother-in-law.
Alicia M. Avery, July 5, 2026, 5 stars
A must read
In his new novel, In Darkness and Light, Tudor Alexander weaves a touching tale of love, tragedy, and survival against a dramatic background: the Jewish deportation to Transnistria during World War II and loss of faith in communism experienced by young intellectuals in post-war Romania. After his first autobiographical novel, The Last Patient, the author demonstrates, again, his unquestionable mastery for profoundly depicting characters: tenderness and idealism along with brutality and devastating realism. Reading this novel is akin to watching a fascinating film’s unfolding saga: one cannot stop reading until the very end. A must read, indeed.
Customer Review, July 10, 2026, 5 stars
Fascinating story!
In Darkness and Light is a great book based on the true story about the life of a young Jewish girl in Romania before, during and after WWII. Very good read and very informative.
I highly recommend.
Loved this one
Epic, powerful, moving, fun.
Michael Aquino, June 23, 3026, 5 stars
Great read!
A well written story steeped in WWII and post war history — including the plight of the Jewish people and the rise of communism in Romania. The author brings the characters to life on the pages and makes you feel the joy and pain of their situations. Highly recommend —especially if enjoy a story anchored in WWII history.
Peter Gross, May 28, 2026, 5 stars
In Darkness and Light – a remarkable chronicle of Romania’s turbulent twentieth century
In Darkness and Light by Tudor Alexander is a gripping, gracefully written chronicle of Romania’s turbulent twentieth century, seen through Tina’s unforgettably human gaze. From the terror of fascism and the ravages of war to the fervor—and eventual disillusion—of communism, the novel charts six decades (1930s–1990s) with unsparing clarity and quiet tenderness. Alexander’s prose is vivid without excess, sketching street-corner whispers, survivor in Transnistria, and private acts of courage with equal precision. Tina’s resilience anchors the narrative: she is neither saint nor symbol, but a complex character whose hard-won hope never feels naïve. The book’s great strength lies in its balance—terribly sad yet insistently life-affirming, historically expansive yet intimately felt. A remarkable journey that illuminates how ordinary lives endure, adapt, and, against the odds, keep a small flame of optimism alive.
Mel Herman, May 29, 2026, 5 stars
Must read!
With the publishing of In Darkness and Light, Alexander has once again written a not to be missed work of historical fiction. He tells a moving story of his family’s experiences and ultimate survival before, during, and after their incarceration. I was very interested and moved by his family’s ability to create solutions to survive intolerable living conditions after deportation. Alexander successfully wove into his story why so many Jews during that time were attracted to communism and how they gradually became disillusioned with the realities of the communist party. The courage and tenacity of Tina, the main character, is both memorable and inspiring.
Diana Z, May 29, 2026, 5 stars
A Story of Resilience and Grace
As part of the Greatest Generation, Tina's idealism in believing in a better world is only surpassed by her resilience in the face of the tumultuous years leading to and during WWII. Navigating the intricacies of a wartime environment where forces of fascism, nationalism, zionism, and communism were enmeshed, Tina's story is one of survival and grace. Reading this book opens a window into a world and time when, despite the horrors of war, people like Tina lived, learned, and loved, and became an inspiration for the generations to follow.
Amazon Customer, May 28, 2026, 5 stars
Highly Recommended!
This is a captivating story, well told! The author skillfully details a woman’s intellectual, political, cultural, and personal journey under communism. Tudor Alexander traces Tina Faur’s development from a young communist sympathizer to a tireless fighter for the cause, to a dedicated party loyalist, and finally a refugee. Offering insight and wisdom, her story unfolds through personal struggles which are revealed with great care and sensitivity. In her search for her truth, Tina’s basic humanity is always present. Highly recommend!!
Grace Leone, June 6, 2026, 5 stars
Inspiring!
A wonderfully inspiring novel about a talented and intelligent woman. She uses her strength from her experiences and family values and traditions to transcend the tragedies and turmoil of the devastating times in which she lived.
Simona P. May 29, 2026, 5 stars
A moving journey through love, loss and history
In Darkness and Light is a very interesting historical novel that intertwines a love story with the turbulent history of Romania before, during and after World War II. Through the experiences of Tina Faur, the author brings that period vividly to life, depicting the hardship faced by Jewish communities during that time, the hopes that drew young people toward communism and the disillusionment that followed when it became oppressive and vindictive.
fitmaster, June 1, 2026, 5 stars
True story written very well
I received this book free prior to release to review and provide feedback to the author. My comments are my own and not influenced by anyone.
Truly amazing book. It’s true! It’s based on this great author’s family. Intense, encouraging, very, very good.
Dan Preotescu, June 9, 2026, 5 stars
An emotionally gripping novel
Tudor Alexander's great new novel is about overcoming tough historical times and surviving personal tragedy, with extraordinary lifescapes and dynamics, and with a heartbreaking love story with very complex and high emotional depth characters. It is also about strength while facing difficult, life-changing decisions, and about looking forward with an evolving perspective and acceptance of reality. A fascinating piece of writing, contributing valuable help to the never-ending building of our understanding of the human condition.