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Born into the shadows of Ceaușescu’s Romania, a boy named Andrei is severed from his mother just days after birth, beginning a life defined by the harsh realities of the state orphanage system. This poignant memoir traces his evolution into Michael, an adult driven by a mysterious spiritual awakening and the sudden discovery of long-lost film footage. His journey takes him across borders to Italy, seeking a reunion with a mother he never knew and a reconciliation with a heritage he nearly lost. Exploring deep themes of trauma, identity, and the radical power of forgiveness, the narrative follows his path toward healing as he confronts the ghosts of a dictatorship and the complexities of his dual identity. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative search for belonging. Comparable works include Lion by Saroo Brierley