First published January 2022

Summary

Lea Ypi was born in Albania at a time when the country was still following a socialist system and hoping for a Communist utopia. In school, she learned about the beloved leader and the ideals of the workers. At home, she heard talk of biographies and universities, but when she asked too many questions she was sent to her room. This is the story of her life from her youngest days through the nation’s transition to a free market economy. Throughout, she reflects upon freedom, justice and oppression and what those words really mean.

My Thoughts

This was a fascinating memoir. It was well-written, informative, and thought-provoking.

Much of what occurred during the socialist period felt similar to what happened in other parts of Eastern Europe, though Albania broke away from Soviet influence earlier and considered the Soviet Union a corrupting imperialist nation. It was especially interesting to hear about these things from a child’s point of view. 

Equally intriguing was what happened after the collapse of the socialist system in 1990 both to the nation and within Ypi’s family. The discoveries about her family’s true histories and political beliefs, and the impact of those discoveries on her own belief systems made for compelling reading. 

Some of the chapters were a bit more philosophical than others, but still very accessible.

Freedom is not sacrificed only when others tell us what to say, where to go, how to behave. A society that claims to enable people to realize their potential but fails to change the structures that prevent everyone from flourishing is also oppressive.

Free, Page 259

About the Author

Lea Ypi is an author and a professor at the London School of Economics. She was born and raised in Albania before leaving to pursue her education. She has won awards both for her writing and her academic works. To learn more about Ypi and her work be sure to check out her website.