In a recent interview, Romanian author Mircea Cărtărescu shared insights into his writing journey and literary influences. He described his relationship with writing as instinctual, stating that he never aspired to be a writer, but considers writing essential to his existence. Cărtărescu reflected on a pivotal moment from his youth when he read Truman Capote's *Breakfast at Tiffany’s*, which ignited his imagination about the solitary life of a writer.
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Cărtărescu has a strong appreciation for Virginia Woolf’s works, particularly *The Waves*, which he described as innovative and poetically profound. He recalled being particularly struck by the imagery of the frozen Thames in Woolf’s *Orlando*, viewing it as evidence of the power of literature to convey extraordinary beauty.
For English-speaking readers, Cărtărescu recommended *Rakes of the Old Court* by Mateiu Caragiale, another book translated by Sean Cotter. He highlighted the novel's deep connections to a decadent Bucharest and its linguistic richness, indicating its near-untranslatability yet significant cultural impact.
When discussing the International Booker Prize, Cărtărescu expressed admiration for past winner Olga Tokarczuk, especially her novel *Flights*, while acknowledging the overall excellence of the award's recipients over the years.