There are, in my opinion, three excellent ways to get to know a country's history and culture: 1. travel there 2. meet its people 3. read its books Now, pop quiz: How much do you all know about Albania? Albanian politics and society? Until about a week ago, my answer would have been "little to nothing", and I bet the same is true for many. Enter: "Free" by Lea Ypi. The book is a woman's memoir, so I kinda already had to love it. But it ALSO tells the story of Albania in times of political upheaval through the eyes of a young girl who grew up under Stalinism - isolated, indoctrinated, happy. Even though the discussed topics are heavy, the book is wonderfully readable and even - dare I say it - fun at times. The short chapters make it easy to comprehend and get through, and the writing is so wonderfully immersive that one really leaves this memoir feeling like having seen Albania with one's own eyes. Which is deception of the best kind. However, I have to say that I got a tiny bit bored towards the end and started skimming the last few chapters. I really can't say whether that was the book's or my fault, both is very possible. I wanted to give you a heads up nonetheless.