Albania Today: A Portrait of Post-communist Turbulence

(Hardback)

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Description

Clarissa de Waal's new book explains Albania's 'transition' from Communism via the experiences of a diverse range of families, highland villagers, urban elite and shanty dwellers - whose lives she has followed since 1992. As such, this is a history - of economic, social and political change - told from the perspective of the participants. We see how far the archaic world of customary law continues to pervade highland life, from dispute settlement to arranged marriages. At the same time, the author shows us members of the ex-communist elite in Tirana embracing rentier capitalism, while squatters on state farmland live under constant threat of eviction. Albania, the author suggests, is a country wracked by contradictions. Clarissa de Waal's new book will inform and engage not just those interested in Albania and south-east Europe, but equally anyone with an interest in the impact on individuals and families of economic and political transition.

Reviews

MLR 'The book is very well written and its judgements are sharp and wry...the book gives a strong and richly observed impression of life during this grim decade.' MODERN LANGUAGE REVIEW 1.07 'The book is very well written... it gives a strong and richly observed impression of life during this grim decade and its judgements are sharp and wry ' - Hugh Miall

Author Bio

Clarissa de Waal teaches Social Anthropology at the University of Cambridge. She is a Fellow of Newnham College.