Romanian writer Igor Bergler’s recent book The Lost Bible (Biblia Pierduta)  sold 3,200 copies in the first weekend after its launch, setting a record for the local book market. The book, launched by Rao publishing house, appeared in libraries on October 1.

Moreover, more than 10,000 copies were pre-ordered in one month on Rao’s website, reports local Mediafax. The figures may seem low compared to book launches in other countries, but they are high for the publishing market in Romania, where few local authors get to sell thousands of copies.

The best-selling book in Romania in recent years was President Klaus Iohannis biography Pas cu Pas (Step by Step), which he launched last year, shortly after winning the presidential elections.

The Lost Bible is a “meticulously documented” book that “reveals the real reasons why Renaissance prince Vlad Tepes was transformed into Dracula by the era’s propaganda.”

The book follows the story of Professor Charles Baker, who, officially, is in the town where Dracula was born to attend a conference of the world's most renowned historians. Unofficially however, his presence in the heart of Transylvania is related to an attempt to solve a mystery deeply rooted in his family history. Three macabre crimes change his action plan, and Professor Baker finds himself in the middle of a huge world conspiracy going on for more than half a millennium.

Igor Bergler is a director and screenwriter, and he also produced some TV shows. He aims to make his literature more accessible and let readers visualise the action just like thew would watch a movie, similar to what well-known international authors, such as Dan Brown, do.

The book has already been translated in English and will make its international debut at the Frankfurt Book Fair.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com

(photo source: biblia pierduta on facebook)