‘The Trenchcoat’ by Norman Manae, a part of the collection “Compulsory Happiness,”  is set in Bucharest during the stirring history of the haunting truths of Romania’s last years under communist rule. At first, I thought the novel was one of the most peculiar, vague pieces of literature I had ever read. I do not think that that opinion might have changed after listening to the lecture, but a lot of things in the novel now make sense. Through the lens of an unassuming, mysterious item—a raincoat, trench coat, or overcoat—the story unfolds in a landscape marked by monotony, surveillance, and the nuanced struggle for identity and autonomy against the backdrop of a dictatorial regime. Manea’s work, especially the complex, interactive interplay of power, boredom, and the presence of the state’s watchful eyes, offers a compelling exploration of life under a repressive government, where even the most mundane objects become symbols of resistance, conformity, or despair.

The novella follows two couples en route to a dinner hosted by another more formal and wealthy couple, their anticipation is tinged more with anxiety and disinterest than excitement, despite the privileges and luxury awaiting them. The scene later cuts to the next day, when an unexpected appearance of a trenchcoat at the guests’ house plungs the story into a maze that culminates in surprising and shocking discoveries. Thus, in the narrative, the trenchcoat transcends its ordinary role. While typically a commonplace item, within the novel, it becomes a beacon of mystery and intrigue.

To be honest, the novel left me hanging. I spent a lot of time on this piece of literature, and I feel like I just ran through the novel because of how confused it left me. However, I do want to talk about what the raincoat means to me. Much like raincoats, which serve the purpose of protection against the rain, kind of like a cover to protect oneself. The raincoat in this novel unfolds symbolically, a myriad of mysteries in the context of Dina and Brazil’s lives. One of which might be that their wealth and status afford them a protective layer, much like the raincoat, against the systemic oppressions and scarcity that plague their country. However, the symbolism of the raincoat in relation to Dina and Brazil extends far beyond a mere shield from physical elements; it represents the nuanced ways in which the elite navigate the treacherous waters of political and social conformity to maintain their position and safety. For example, Comrade Vasile uses his house as a means to hold certain kinds of confidential meetings.

Nonetheless, it is genuinely astonishing how the author expertly navigated the limits of censorship to offer a vivid portrait of life under a dictatorial regime, emphasizing the intricacies of state surveillance. Initially, the unusual writing style appeared to me as strange, but it perfectly depicts the complexity and subtleties of an oppressive system.

Question: What is the significance behind the nameless character, the Learned One, The Kid, etc., being shrouded in such mystery, and how does this contribute to the narrative, especially considering his eventual connection with Lady Di?