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Sonya M. (Takoma Park, MD)
Free -- Life in Albania
Ypi's memoir describes her life in Albania from childhood to high school. The timeline follows the political and economic life pre- and post- the fall of the Soviet Union and breakup into current Eastern European countries. The memoir describes life under communism, early democracy, and the Albanian Civil War.
Part I written in the language of a young, elementary age girl is sometimes confusing as the cultural and political descriptions are in her elementary voice. Part II clarifies that the syntax and language evolves as the writer ages from grade school to high school. Part II includes diary entries that range from a crush on a boy to guns exploding outside windows, a sudden unexpected structural change in writing style.
The book is unique in its description of life under Albanian communism, the restrictions, harsh punishments, the job and educational opportunity based on family history. Examples of a society suddenly open to western influences were fascinating. Women wearing used clothes from the West as day dresses, not realizing they are nightgowns, and displaying empty coca cola cans as art works, not realizing they are drinks.
The author, currently teaching Marxism at the London School of Economics, reflects in her memoir on the pros and cons of political economic structures. Albania falls into chaos a decade into their democratic freedom following the collapse of the economy and rampant pyramid schemes that lose much of private wealth.
While fascinating insight into a little-understood country, its politics and culture, the book is structurally confusing and inconsistent. Chapters do not always seem to follow logically around one theme, digressing into tangential issues. However, it provided rare insight into an unfamiliar place and culture and is recommended for those unfamiliar with Albania.
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