Dreamland

Banat, Crisana, Maramures, Transylvania, 100-WORD STORIES, Folklore and History

By: Patricia Furstenberg

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

For her books on Romania and her blog promoting Romania, Patricia Furstenberg was included in Top 100 Romanians from Everywhere Category Art 2023, Top 100 Români de Pretutindeni, by Repatriot, as featured in Newsweek Romania.

Discover the untold tales that shaped history and folklore in DREAMLAND through well-crafted 100-word stories: A Captivating Read, Delightful and Fascinating, A Magical Tour Through Romania's History and Folklore.

Journey into the aftermath of a giant's forbidden love, the chilling fate of a maiden turned to stone, the mystery surrounding the lost Dacian treasure, or the true reasons behind the terror inspired by Vlad the Impaler. Uncover hidden truths and well-guarded secrets behind these legendary stories of "happily ever after," chilling origins, elusive warriors, and the enigmatic figures that have shaped Transylvania for millennia.

Dreamland reveals the epic narratives and whimsical photography behind the legends we thought we knew, inviting you to dive deeper into a world where history meets myth.

Dreamland, the western territory of Romania, a paradise dreamed of by empires; a fairyland protected by its hearty folk; and centuries-long safe haven to hopeful emigrants.
Dreamland, these are stories lived, legends of why, myths of who, folk believes rooted in the days when the populace of Banat, Crisana, Maramures, and Transylvania laid the first foundations in places still untamed, places that maybe changed their face as they changed many hands throughout centuries.
Dreamland: like a river flows free, like the bird knows no boundaries, and like clouds spread over the entire horizon, so is the history, and the tales of these Romanian provinces. Dacians and Romans, Vlachs, Moti, Mocans, Huns, Peri, Magyars, Transylvanian Saxons , Swabians, Szeklers, Jewish refugees, Ottoman invaders, hajduks and emperors, priests, these are the folks who shared this Dreamland and together they shaped its history, culture and architecture.
In these troubled times, when one’s identity escapes and is easily strewn along paths travelled far and wide, let’s take another look back. Let’s meet the people who can still remember the tales of their ancestors, entrusted to them with the seed of truth. READ ALL in Dreamland.

Today Romania has ten defined historical provinces: Banat, Crișana, Maramureș, Transylvania (Ardeal or Erdély) presented in this book, Dreamland, but also Bucovina, Moldova, Basarabia, Oltenia, Muntenia, and Dobrogea.
Banat: its population lived in huts scattered over valleys because the main occupation was pastoralism without transhumance. This historical region bordered various empires that made the area insecure and often depopulated due to war outbursts. READ its legends in Dreamland.
Crisana: is a geographical and historical region in north-west Romania named after the Criş Rivers guarded by the peaks of Apuseni Mountains. The etymology for Crişana goes back to the old name for Criş Rivers, Chrisola. READ it in Dreamland.
Maramures: located in the very north of Romania. Its very birth has a legend told by the fire of a woodstove, during cold January evenings steeped in snow. The wood-carved Maramureş Gates are one of the most precious symbols of Maramureş Country. READ more in Dreamland.
Transylvania is a historical plateau located at the heart of Romania. A multicultural region with a noteworthy history and a rich cultural heritage.

These short texts evoke passages from history. I tried to write them with passion and lyricism, and, I hope, wit. Telling stories is the best way to keep the past, this untouchable treasure, alive.
In chronological order: 117 Stories punctuated by historical details.
Over 80 color photographs.

Expertly written short stories

Patricia Furstenberg’s Dreamland is a rare gem in audio form—an enchanting tapestry of 100-word stories that capture the soul of Romania, weaving legend, history, and emotion into bite-sized wonders. Each tale, followed by rich historical context, is a masterclass in brevity and depth.

The lyrical writing shines even more when spoken aloud; the virtual narration enhances its dreamlike, phantasmagorical tone while maintaining clarity and warmth.

Whether describing witches without warts or timekeepers with fantastical machines, Furstenberg mesmerizes with every word. The audiobook is a feast for the ears and the mind—ideal for curious listeners, young and old alike, and a perfect gateway into Romania’s magical past. Highly recommended