Psychologist and author Andrew Solomon officially became a Romanian citizen during a ceremony at the Romanian Consulate in New York. A writer known for his work on mental health and social issues, Solomon traces his family roots to Dorohoi, Romania, a connection he has explored through both personal travel and his published writing.
Why Andrew Solomon sought Romanian citizenship
The decision to pursue citizenship follows a decade-long engagement with his ancestral history. According to the publisher Humanitas, Solomon, whose works include The Noonday Demon, Far and Away, and Far from the Tree, finalized his status as a Romanian citizen in a ceremony in New York. Solomon first publicly considered the move in a 2014 article for The New Yorker, titled “Homosexual, Jewish, Mentally Ill, and a Sponsor of Gypsies in Romania.” At the time, he noted that while his family’s departure from the country was driven by hardship, he felt lucky to have returned to reconnect with those roots.
Andrew Solomon’s 2001 book, The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression, was ranked 23rd on The Guardian’s list of the 100 best books of the 21st century and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.
Connecting with ancestral roots in Dorohoi
Solomon’s path to citizenship is deeply tied to his 2013 visit to Dorohoi, in Botoșani County, where his Jewish ancestors lived before emigrating to the United States in 1900. During that trip, he visited a local Jewish cemetery containing approximately 450 graves. He recounted finding a tombstone inscribed in memory of the Solomon family, who perished due to the actions of Hitler. Solomon reflected on the historical cycle of displacement, noting that the same forces that pushed his family to seek safety in the United States also fueled the evolution of his own career and perspectives on resilience.
Challenges and advocacy in Romania
His return to Romania has not been without friction. In 2013, a planned conference at the Carol Library in Bucharest was canceled after the venue objected to a discussion regarding homosexual identity. Despite this, Solomon continued to engage with the Romanian public. In 2023, he wrote a tribute for the publication Libertatea honoring journalist Iulia Marin, praising her courageous work on mental health issues. Solomon currently serves as a professor of clinical psychology at Columbia University Medical Center and holds teaching positions at Weill Cornell Medicine and Yale University.
Pro Tips for Understanding Global Citizenship
- Research ancestry: Many countries offer citizenship pathways for descendants of emigrants; check local consulate requirements for documentation.
- Contextualize history: As Solomon’s work demonstrates, visiting ancestral sites can provide a deeper understanding of one’s personal and historical identity.
- Follow institutional updates: Official announcements from publishers or cultural organizations, such as the one from Humanitas, are often the primary source for news regarding authors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Andrew Solomon?
Andrew Solomon is a prominent psychologist, author, and activist known for his books on depression, family, and social issues. He is a professor of clinical psychology at Columbia University.
How did Andrew Solomon acquire Romanian citizenship?
He acquired citizenship through his family lineage; his ancestors emigrated from Dorohoi, Romania, to the United States in 1900.
What is the significance of his book The Noonday Demon?
It is widely considered one of the most important books of the 21st century, having been a Pulitzer Prize finalist and a highly ranked work in The Guardian’s literary lists.
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