Miranda Vickers

I knew very little about Albania before I read this book. I learned quite a bit. I wish the book didn't end in 1999, the political situation was very volatile and it left me hanging. I googled more recent Albanian history to keep me up-to-date; for example, I found out Berisha came back to power and Albania has now joined NATO.

The statement at the beginning of the book left me puzzled. The author stated that since the 1940's archaeological expeditions focused on showing a direct link between show more the Illyrians and modern day Albanians but this sentence wasn't explained further in the book. Actually, I'm surprised the Albanians had the time or inclination for archaeological expeditions as it seems like everything was either in an uproar or people were interested in just maintaining their life and surviving.

I wish them well. They've had it rough. And that's an understatement. show less

Begins with Hoxha's death in 1985 and traces the most recent decade of Albania's shaky existence from anarchy and chos to the Democratic Party under Sali Berisha in 1992.

see description

see description