I felt instantly drawn to this book. When I saw the word "belonging" in the title, I assumed it's most likely for "effect" and that it wouldn't have that much relevance to the contents of the book only to find out I was terribly wrong. I went through many feelings and reactions reading it and it had me questioning things I often took for granted.
I had a few quotes and parts that stuck to me and that I'm still reflecting upon.
I often find it really hard to rate non-fiction, but this one in particular imprinted in my mind. Part of the reason why this book resonated with me is the cultural background (romanian) and while I'm aware not many will feel so connected, it can resonate to anyone. Freedom, choice and belonging are universal themes after all! The book also features one of my most researched topics in history so if anything, it made me even more invested! As sad and heartbreaking as 20th century history is, I always find myself reading memoirs, articles and so on from those times! History is what made the present be as it is now, after all!

The writing style was fast paced and I had a hard time trying to put it down. I didn't want to read it in one sitting. I wanted to have time to digest the bits of information from one reading session to the other since reading it in one sitting wouldn't allow me to properly reflect upon it or form an opinion! I truly hope to see this book translated in Romanian as well as I often found myself translating certain words/phrases/paragraphs in my mind along the way.
It felt heartwarming to see romanian words in a sea of English which is another reason why I deeply cherish this! It's always such a nice feeling that I believe anyone whose native language isn't English can understand!

I find myself hesitant with new authors, but Ana Doina became one I see myself reading more and more of in the future! Whoever picks it up is in for such a ride! (in the most positive, eye-opening way possible)