Extremely well-written and still very relevant considering the ongoing war in Ukraine. Kaplan is the modern master of the Balkans and his writing on Romania does the country justice. ( )

This is why I read.One of his best and they are all good. Once again Kaplan opens up new vistas in a familiar world. A well rounded personal take on the history and current politics of Central Eurpoe and Romania in particular. More new references and books to read including Fermors final book which I didnt know was written. Kaplan is in his 60's now but I hope he has a few more in him.
He is not Fermor or Byron but he holds his own in that crowd. ( )