If you are looking for information on Romania's orphanages this is a good starter for 10. There's a brief history of modern Romania and some facts and figures. The bibliography consists of three books and the text is unreferenced. So not perfect.

I was only looking for some information but got something better. This is an inspiring and very personal account of the work of the White Cross Mission. I work for a little charity for the homeless. We're basically a bunch of rank amateurs, all of us somewhat bonkers, and operating on a shoestring. Very similar to the White Cross. I picked up a few ideas and it was reassuring to see that we do some unconventional things that they also endorse. For example, the idea that having favourites is a good thing. Our charity is basically an adoption agency for childless middle-aged people like me. You pick a victim and interfere in their lives. It's a form of harassment really. One of my adoptees is the product of a Romanian orphanage. Reading this book reminded me that, when you're harried, what's important are those moments of personal connection between strangers, and the use of your time to achieve easily what they are powerless to achieve for themselves. ( )