Bottled Goods

Set in 1970s Romania during the Communist regime of Nicolae Ceausescu, Bottled Goods is a poignant and lyrical novel that explores the themes of childhood, marriage, family, and identity in the face of extreme obstacles. Longlisted for the 2019 Women's Prize, this book follows Alina and her husband Liviu, who yearn for freedom but fall under suspicion and surveillance after her brother-in-law defects. As they face manipulation, accusations, and menacing agents, their marriage deteriorates and escape seems impossible. However, Alina's mystical aunt proposes a surprising solution, leading to a gritty and moving depiction of one woman's struggle for personal and political freedom. This book weaves elements of magic realism, Romanian folklore, and Kafkaesque paranoia into a captivating narrative that explores themes of empowerment, liberty, family, and loyalty.