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Alex Duvan, who publishes under the pen name Tudor Alexander, came to the US as a political refugee in 1977. Informed and inspired by his personal experience, he writes about immigrants.
Like him, his characters take a leap of faith to find political and intellectual freedom, despite the heartbreak of leaving friends and family behind.
After the Romanian Revolution of 1989, he published several novels and short story collections in Romania. Planet New York, his first novel published in the US, received an Honorable Mention at the 2007 New York Book Festival. The novel No Portrait in the Gilded Frame was published in 2016. Somewhere in the City received an Honorable Mention at Glimmer Train’s Spring 2017 short story contest.
Alex is a member of the Maryland Writers’ Alliance and serves on the board of directors of the Little Patuxent Review, a biannual Maryland literary publication.
His most recent novel, The Last Patient, was published by Boyle & Dalton in February 2025
His blog, available at medium.com/@alexduvan, features short stories and excerpts from his novels.
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Tudor Alexander’s The Last Patient is a beautifully written story set against the backdrop of the historical upheaval of post-war Eastern Europe. The novel combines historical fiction with personal conflict, exploring a family’s struggles under communist oppression. The novel begins with the story of Kostea, a medical intern whose life is disrupted by the political upheaval of the time. Kostea’s personal struggles are closely linked to the wider social and political changes, making his story both intimate and expansive. Alexander expertly captures the era’s essence through detailed descriptions and well-developed characters, bringing the past to life with vivid realism. The book invites reflection on the impact of history on individual lives, making it a meaningful addition to the genre.
Tudor Alexander’s writing is strong with relatable and complex characters. Kostea is exceptionally well-crafted. The interactions between Kostea and his family, especially during moments of crisis, are portrayed with emotional depth and authenticity. One of the novel’s most compelling aspects is its exploration of the impact of political ideology on personal lives. Through Kostea’s experiences, Alexander delves into the moral compromises and decisions one must face under oppressive regimes. This thematic exploration is thought-provoking and deeply relevant, connecting with anyone interested in the intersections of personal integrity and political pressures. The Last Patient is a masterful blend of historical detail and personal drama. The narrative is both educational and emotionally engaging, making it a recommended read for those who appreciate historical novels that focus on the human element of historical events. The Last Patient is an excellent read for high school and college history classes. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and the ending is unforgettable.
