Everything Worth Counting

by Mihaela Balan Larsen

It’s 1977 in Zimnicea, Romania.

An earthquake has reduced the home of ten-year-old Alex to rubble, taking with it his father and his best friend.

Left with only each other, Alex and his mother Eva, are forced to rebuild their lives from the ruins.

With Ceaușescu tightening his grip on a fearful nation, they take refuge at his grandparents’ home in a small village amidst meadowed hills.

Alex finds comfort in the care of his grandparents and the traditions of rural Romania, while Eva is quietly preparing for something far more dangerous: escape.

Inspired by real events, this story captures the heartbreak of loss, the value of tradition, and the enduring hope of a migrant mother and son determined to build a better life from the ashes.

332 pages, Paperback

First published October 27, 2025

Reviews

[Oksana Khavro]

Я ще в процесі читання, але вже зараз ця історія мене дуже зачепила. Вона емоційна, з глибоким відчуттям зв’язку між мамою і сином. Є багато моментів, які змушують задуматися і краще відчути атмосферу того часу. Читаю повільно, але із задоволенням.

[Ronnie Kelly]

This novel is a moving portrayal of life in Communist Romania, but more importantly, it is a story about endurance. The descriptions of the earthquake’s aftermath and the political fear surrounding the characters feel authentic and immersive. Alex’s innocence paired with Eva’s fierce courage creates a compelling emotional balance. An excellent read for anyone who appreciates historical fiction rooted in real events.

[Kelly Maverick]

“Everything Worth Counting” delivers an evocative narrative that balances historical accuracy with emotional depth. The author handles themes of loss, migration, political fear, and healing with remarkable sensitivity. The pacing is steady, the world building is vivid, and the relationship between mother and son carries the story with strength and authenticity. A beautifully crafted novel that will appeal to fans of powerful, character driven stories.

[Christianne Patay]

A story of a mother and son starting a new life after an earthquake — an easy read, written beautifully and captivatingly. I cannot imagine what it’s like to live in a communist country, but this certainly gave a glimpse of it all. It shows how hard it is to immigrate when you all odds are against you. It’s a great story of a mother’s strength, grief, longing, endurance and reminded me of my own story of perseverance. I finished the book in a day and waiting for a followup!

[Jaxx Laura]

What stands out most about “Everything Worth Counting” is its characters. Alex’s quiet bravery and Eva’s unwavering determination make this story shine. Their bond feels real and deeply human, especially as they fight for a better life under an oppressive regime. It is a book that stays with you long after you finish.

[Willia]

This book hit me harder than I expected. The author captures the shock, fear, and quiet strength of a child losing everything in a single moment. Every page feels real almost too real yet full of warmth and courage. It’s a heartbreaking but beautifully caring story. Exceptional work.

[Bookish Tokyo]

"Happiness might not mean the same for us in the future as it does now.”
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When I think about my time in Romania, I look back and think that it was a particularly stressful and despondent period of my life. I was the vanguard for a new life. A seeker of greener pastures. Just as I was taking the Aeroflot from Moscow, perhaps one of the last flights able to fly into Europe, my arrival also preceded the arrival of Covid. A new job, a new country, with no friends or family, lockdown was particularly tough. By rights, I should have a dim view of Romania, but actually, when I look back, I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to live in what I think is a wonderful country.
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I’m taking you on a trip down memory lane because it was a memory triggered by this book. Ostensibly, the book portrays Romania in probably its worst period, dominated by Ceaușescu, an authoritarian leader on par with Stalin. Yet, I couldn’t help but be taken in by the bucolic atmosphere of village life. The nearest I got was the excellent Peasant Museum in Bucharest, with its vast array of replica villages and unique architecture.
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Sadly, though, after the brave flight of the two main protagonists from Romania, the story fell apart. On a human level, we should feel sympathy for the plight of a mother and son becoming refugees and trying bravely to start a new life, but there was something missing in this telling that kept a distance. Something that stopped me from really getting into the book. We see the world through the eyes of a 12-year-old, but his voice remained somewhat stilted and repetitive. As a whole, I did not connect or particularly like the book, but I am grateful for the memory it triggered and for the excellent depiction of village life.

[Clara Mack]

"Everything Worth Counting” is a heartfelt reminder of how fragile and resilient the human spirit can be. Alex and Eva’s journey pulled me in from the first page, weaving grief, love, and hope into a powerful story. The author beautifully captures the terror of life under Ceausescu while highlighting the quiet strength of a mother determined to give her son more than what their broken world allows. It is tender, raw, and unforgettable.

[Florence]

I was genuinely shaken by this story. The author brings you right into the terror, grief, and fragile hope of a family trying to survive disaster and dictatorship. It’s tender, painful, and deeply human. A truly powerful novel, written with incredible compassion.

[Clara Bennet]

A powerful and beautifully written story. Alex and Eva’s struggle after the earthquake is both heartbreaking and inspiring. The author blends history, emotion, and hope in a way that kept me turning pages. Truly a memorable book.

[Rick]

Have a great time reading the book. Mihaela book is indeed a work of art.

[Anton]

A beautifully layered story of loss, courage, and survival. The author’s writing is sharp, emotional, and unforgettable. A truly remarkable work.

[Lovie]

Powerful, heartfelt, and deeply human. The author captures pain and hope with stunning clarity. A brilliant, moving novel.

[Sulaiman Muritala]

A gripping blend of history and emotion. The characters feel alive, and the storytelling is exceptional. An absolute 5-star masterpiece.

[Tanst Emme]

A poignant portrayal of life under Communist Romania, anchored by rich character development and an authentic sense of place. A powerful testament to endurance and maternal strength.

[Grace Royal]

Honestly, this was an amazing read. Beautifully written, emotional, and full of heart.

[Joshua Ayo]

A poignant portrayal of life under Communist Romania, anchored by rich character development and an authentic sense of place. A powerful testament to endurance and maternal strength.

[Mason Bryan]

A moving and unforgettable story.