Carmen Sylva 
Sweet Hours 

Carmen Sylva’s ‘Sweet Hours’ is a collection of elegantly crafted poetry that delves into themes of love, nature, and the fleeting nature of time. Written in a lyrical and emotive style, the poems within this volume showcase Sylva’s deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. Drawing inspiration from the Romantic tradition, Sylva’s work is characterized by vivid imagery and a keen sense of emotional depth, making ‘Sweet Hours’ a captivating and thought-provoking read for poetry enthusiasts. The collection transports readers to a realm of timeless beauty and introspection, inviting them to contemplate the complexities of love and life. Carmen Sylva, also known as Queen Elizabeth of Romania, was a prolific writer and artist who drew upon her own experiences and emotions to create works of lasting beauty. As a poet and author, Sylva’s deep connection to nature and her keen sense of observation shine through in ‘Sweet Hours’, a testament to her poetic talent and artistic vision. Her unique perspective and insightful reflections make this collection a truly enchanting addition to the world of poetry. For readers who appreciate lyrical poetry that explores themes of love, nature, and the passage of time, ‘Sweet Hours’ by Carmen Sylva is a must-read. With its evocative language and profound insights, this collection is sure to captivate and inspire lovers of poetry and beauty.

About the author

Carmen Sylva, the literary pseudonym of Queen Elisabeth of Romania (1843–1916), was a luminary of European letters during her lifetime. Born Princess Pauline Elisabeth Ottilie Luise of Wied, she married King Carol I of Romania and became queen in 1881. Despite her aristocratic duties, she prolifically engaged in writing, transposing her heightened sensibilities and the multicultural influences of her upbringing into her celebrated works. ‘Sweet Hours’ is but one testament to her literary craftsmanship, reflecting the intimate and lyrical qualities that characterize Sylva’s style. High romanticism infused with a sense of nationalism is evident in her prose and poetry, where she often explores the themes of love, nature, and the agonies of the human spirit. Her writings, though steeped in the sentimental and occasionally archaic, exuded a modern flair for social issues, echoing the voice she wielded as a patron of the arts and advocate for women’s education and welfare. She also translated the works of others, thereby enriching Romanian literature. The wide linguistic proficiency of Sylva is seen in her multilingual publications, ranging from German, French, English, to Romanian. The Queen’s personal tragedies, including the loss of her only child, reverberate through her writing, allowing her to establish a deep connection with a readership that spanned beyond the borders of her adopted country. Her legacy as a pioneering figure in Romanian culture and as an emblematic female author of the 19th century continues to inspire and be studied by literary scholars today.