Baltagul

“The Hatchet” (Baltagul), a 1930 crime novel by Mihail Sadoveanu, tells the story of Vitoria Lipan, a determined woman who seeks revenge for the murder of her husband, Nechifor, by a group of wealthy shepherds. Following clues, Vitoria and her son, Gheorghiță, track down the culprits and expose their cruelty. The novel draws inspiration from Romanian folklore, particularly the “Miorița” ballad, exploring themes of justice, revenge, and the resilience of the human spirit