Picture a Romanian storyteller who wove her family’s heartrending history into a global bestseller—meet Roxanne Veletzos! Born in Bucharest, this historical fiction novelist now calls California home, captivating readers with tales of resilience and love set against the tumult of 20th-century Europe. Her debut, The Girl They Left Behind, inspired by her mother’s adoption during World War II, has touched hearts in ten countries.
Veletzos’s stories aren’t just novels—they’re bridges between cultures, blending her Romanian heritage with universal themes of survival and hope. With a knack for vivid storytelling, she’s earned a spot on bookshelves worldwide. Ready to dive into her world?
The Making of Roxanne Veletzos
Roxanne Veletzos was born in Bucharest, Romania, where the echoes of history shaped her early years. As a young teen, she moved to California, a transition that sparked her love for writing. Fluent in English and French, she began penning short stories about her Eastern European roots, using words as a way to process her new life. With a journalism degree from California State University, Northridge, Veletzos honed her craft, working as an editor, content writer, and marketing manager for Fortune 500 companies before turning to fiction in 2012.
Her family’s stories, especially her grandparents’ tales of survival, fueled her passion for historical fiction. These personal connections gave her writing an authentic, emotional depth that resonates with readers, making her a unique voice in the genre.
Roxanne Veletzos’s Unforgettable Stories
Veletzos’s debut novel, The Girl They Left Behind (2018), is a sweeping saga set in 1941 Bucharest. Inspired by her mother’s adoption during the 1941 Pogrom, it follows Natalia, a Jewish girl left on an apartment building’s steps, adopted by a loving couple, and later grappling with her identity under Soviet rule. Praised for its “gripping, tragic, yet hopeful” narrative, the novel blends historical accuracy with heartfelt drama, earning accolades from authors like Kate Quinn.
Her follow-up, When the Summer Was Ours (2021), explores love and sacrifice from pre-war Hungary to 1980s Budapest, weaving a poignant tale of forbidden romance. Veletzos’s style is fluid and evocative, painting vivid pictures of war-torn Europe while diving deep into her characters’ emotions. Her ability to merge lesser-known historical settings, like Romania’s WWII experience, with universal themes of family and endurance sets her apart.
Each novel showcases Veletzos’s talent for crafting complex characters and immersive settings, making her a must-read for historical fiction fans. Her works, translated into multiple languages, continue to captivate global audiences with their emotional resonance.
Why Roxanne Veletzos Matters
Roxanne Veletzos has carved a niche in historical fiction by shining a light on Romania’s overlooked WWII and Soviet-era history. Her novels do more than entertain—they educate, offering readers a window into a rarely explored corner of Europe. By weaving her family’s real-life experiences into fiction, she honors the resilience of those who endured unimaginable hardships, connecting readers across cultures and generations.
Her impact lies in her ability to make history personal. Fans from Romania and beyond have thanked her for sharing stories that echo their own heritage, proving the power of storytelling to heal and unite. Veletzos’s work reminds us that even in the darkest times, hope and humanity prevail.
- Born: Bucharest, Romania
- Key Works: The Girl They Left Behind (2018), When the Summer Was Ours (2021)
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism, California State University, Northridge
- Resides: San Francisco Bay Area, California
Snag The Girl They Left Behind and dive into Roxanne Veletzos’s soul-stirring historical fiction! Her stories of love, loss, and triumph will keep you turning pages late into the night.