Alexander T. Teichmann

Lost in the midst of the Carpathian Mountains is the state of Vallerosa. Founded by a group of Cathars escaping persecution hundreds of years ago, Vallerosa is small and unknown with no international profile. Governed by a benevolent elected dictatorship in the form of the President Sergio and his team of officials who all inherit their positions, the people of Vallerosa live simple lives unaffected by the world. However a mistake in interpreting a letter means that well-meaning student Lizzie is mistaken for royalty and her trip to discover Vallerosa is treated as an official visit. What Lizzie finds in Vallerosa is country in need of guidance and not that of the circling corporate Americans.

This is an original premise and, after a slow start, engaging story. The idea of a country living without interference from abroad is unlikely but the cast of characters is interesting. What works well are the little set pieces including the museum of things left behind, a place to exhibit the detritus of other people's lives, and the competition between the bar owners. OK it is more of an allegory than a piece of serious literature but it is whimsical and completely beguiling.… (mais)