Ms. Sasha Comaneshteanu has selflessly decided to forego marriage, dedicating her life to raising her younger, orphaned siblings. Her resolve is tested by the return from abroad of dashing Mr. Matei Damian, her childhood sweetheart. Meanwhile, her younger brother's romantic interest in Ms. Tincutza Murguletz is threatened by his impending move abroad and competition from a coarse upstart, Tanase Scatiu. The author, Duiliu Zamfirescu, has been called 'the Romanian Tolstoy'. Love in the Countryside-one of the most loved and celebrated Romanian novels of all time-offers readers a unique, authentic glimpse into the life of peasants and aristocrats in 19th century Romania.