Coman, Otilia (1942–)

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Coman, Otilia (1942–)

Romanian writer and activist. Name variations: Otilia Valeria Coman Rusan; (pseudonym) Ana Blandiana. Born Otilia Valeria Coman, Mar 25, 1942, in Timisoara, Romania; dau. of Georghe Coman and Ana Coman; earned degree in philology from Cluj University; m. Romulus Rusan (writer), 1960.

Worked as editor on literary journals Viata Romanaesca and Amfitreatru (1968–74); became librarian at Institute of Fine Arts in Bucharest; poems were banned by Ceausescu's censorship (1980s), and she was denounced for her poem "Motanul Arpagic," which poked fun at the dictator (1988–89); took an active role in the newly formed government until 1990; helped found Alianta Civica; writings include Cincizeci de poeme (1970), Octombrie, Noiembre, Decembrie (1972), Somnul din somn (The Sleep within the Sleep, 1977), Ora de nisip (The Hour of Sand, 1983), Stea de prada (Star of Prey, 1985), and Cartea alba a lui Arpagic (1998); also published children's books and essay collections. Awarded Herder Prize (1969), Romanian Academy Prize (1970), Romanian Writers Union Prize (1969, 1980), and Opera Omnia Prize from Romanian Writers Union (2002).