Uncertain roads

by Yale Strom

“In 1992 photographer Yale Strom traveled with his tape recorder, camera, and violin to several Gypsy, or Rom, communities in Europe and Eastern Europe in order to gain an understanding of what it means to be Rom today. The resulting interviews and photographs, remarkable for their humor, honesty, and insight, offer a rare and compelling glimpse into a mysterious and often misunderstood culture. Mr. Strom was able to gain acceptance into Rom homes, community centers, and churches with his music, and it is music that frequently emerges as the force that binds one generation to the next; it is music and pride in musical heritage that encircle Rom teenagers, their parents, and their grandparents in the same embrace. The Rom interviewed for this book, from 12-year-old Irene Németh to 58-year-old Sándor Rézműves, also share their thoughts on school, family, marriage, racism, their history, their future, and the changes to modern life continues to bring to their ancient culture. There are te