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Mark Porton's Reviews > Free: Coming of Age at the End of History
Free: Coming of Age at the End of History
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If you decide to read a memoir this year, just one, it needs to be Free by Lea Ypi.
This is a coming-of-age memoir, seen through the eyes of young Lea Ypi during the fall of communism in 1990s Albania. We get a glimpse of Lea’s family life prior to the fall of the authoritarian regime of Enver Hoxha/Ramiz Alia (1946 � 1991), and the consequent civil unrest.
There’s humour here and of course, there is ample serious subject matter too. I found Lea's Mother and Father the most interesting and funny. We see the family arguments, the hard life living in a communist state, school life, the sad history of dispossession of property and assets, the ubiquitous eyes of the Sigurimi (Secret Service). There’s also the absurd, bureaucracy of an autocratic society on display here � the queuing up for milk and bread for hours for example, a way of life.
As the title suggests a central theme in this memoir is freedom. If you think about it, this is a complex notion. What does it mean? Are we referring to internal freedom? For example, the freedom to do the right thing, or external freedom � the freedom to say what we like? To do what we like? Of course � none of us have total freedom. But this memoir had me thinking about this complex concept. The more I think about capitalism and liberalism, the more I believe we aren’t free at all. Perhaps those who possess little or no money, freedom is a total stranger.
The fall of communism was a momentous occasion of course. However, as we know from what happened in countries we may be more familiar with, it was no bed of roses. The highly structured, controlled, state, provided a certainty that was not guaranteed in a more liberal society. The new, uncertain world can appear (and really be) worse than what came before it. We see all of this here. Ypi provides an inside look of what it was like.
A taste of the beautiful humour expressed by the author:
On those occasions, my cousins and I would swim near the tourist beach and sing in English (baa baa black sheep) � “Ban ban blackship, eni eni you.� They would stare back with a look between confused and frightened
A wonderful picture of Lea at the beach in 1986
Imagine the confusion children like Lea experienced when, for all their life, they heard nothing but praise from their family and friends about the state, only to see and hear the same people march and protest its downfall. Everything you thought you knew was turned on its head. Wow.
Then to compound the aggravation � Albania experienced a civil war from January to August in 1997. Again, we see this through the eyes of a young girl, trying to study for her final year of high school (with power cuts, school closures, Kalashnikovs firing at all times of the day), the terror and uncertainty � the poor lass lost her ability to speak at one stage. It is heartbreaking.
Did this new Albania offer a more free or safer society than under Hoxha? The Adriatic seabed would home thousands of dead Albanians as they fled on boats to the luxury of refugee camps in Italy.
The ending was sad and profound.
5 Stars
An interesting short video about this book, including an appearance by young Lea Ypi
This is a coming-of-age memoir, seen through the eyes of young Lea Ypi during the fall of communism in 1990s Albania. We get a glimpse of Lea’s family life prior to the fall of the authoritarian regime of Enver Hoxha/Ramiz Alia (1946 � 1991), and the consequent civil unrest.
There’s humour here and of course, there is ample serious subject matter too. I found Lea's Mother and Father the most interesting and funny. We see the family arguments, the hard life living in a communist state, school life, the sad history of dispossession of property and assets, the ubiquitous eyes of the Sigurimi (Secret Service). There’s also the absurd, bureaucracy of an autocratic society on display here � the queuing up for milk and bread for hours for example, a way of life.
As the title suggests a central theme in this memoir is freedom. If you think about it, this is a complex notion. What does it mean? Are we referring to internal freedom? For example, the freedom to do the right thing, or external freedom � the freedom to say what we like? To do what we like? Of course � none of us have total freedom. But this memoir had me thinking about this complex concept. The more I think about capitalism and liberalism, the more I believe we aren’t free at all. Perhaps those who possess little or no money, freedom is a total stranger.
The fall of communism was a momentous occasion of course. However, as we know from what happened in countries we may be more familiar with, it was no bed of roses. The highly structured, controlled, state, provided a certainty that was not guaranteed in a more liberal society. The new, uncertain world can appear (and really be) worse than what came before it. We see all of this here. Ypi provides an inside look of what it was like.
A taste of the beautiful humour expressed by the author:
On those occasions, my cousins and I would swim near the tourist beach and sing in English (baa baa black sheep) � “Ban ban blackship, eni eni you.� They would stare back with a look between confused and frightened
A wonderful picture of Lea at the beach in 1986
Imagine the confusion children like Lea experienced when, for all their life, they heard nothing but praise from their family and friends about the state, only to see and hear the same people march and protest its downfall. Everything you thought you knew was turned on its head. Wow.
Then to compound the aggravation � Albania experienced a civil war from January to August in 1997. Again, we see this through the eyes of a young girl, trying to study for her final year of high school (with power cuts, school closures, Kalashnikovs firing at all times of the day), the terror and uncertainty � the poor lass lost her ability to speak at one stage. It is heartbreaking.
Did this new Albania offer a more free or safer society than under Hoxha? The Adriatic seabed would home thousands of dead Albanians as they fled on boats to the luxury of refugee camps in Italy.
The ending was sad and profound.
5 Stars
An interesting short video about this book, including an appearance by young Lea Ypi
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Reading Progress
February 16, 2025
–
Started Reading
February 16, 2025
– Shelved
February 16, 2025
–
17.57%
"Particularly with non-fiction, you can tell if it's going to be a 5 star read very early on. This is one of those ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"
page
55
February 20, 2025
–
84.03%
"I'm going to be sad to leave Lea Ypi and her family when this finishes."
page
263
February 21, 2025
– Shelved as:
5-stars
February 21, 2025
– Shelved as:
memoirs-biographies
February 21, 2025
– Shelved as:
non-fiction
February 21, 2025
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-50 of 52 (52 new)
Nika wrote: "Oh, I too read this book recently! I thought it was an enjoyable and thought-provoking read. Eager to hear your thoughts on it, Mark!"
I'm not sure if it was your review that prompted me to read this or not Nika - either way I'll check out your review when I finish (soon). In short, I love it - it is such a wonderful inside look at the fall of Albania's communist/authoritarian system. This'll be a 5-stars for sure :))
What a stirring and profound review Mark! I can tell how many emotions it evoked. Thanks for sharing. 🤗
Funny, thought-provoking and profound. Sounds like it's got it all Marko! Glad you got another 5-star under the belt, mate! :)
Fantastic review, Mark. It makes me super happy to see you appreciated this as much as I did. It is a superior memoir as it's written in such an interesting way.
There is an interview that you may enjoy. I'm not allowed to post links, but just search for Growing up during the last days of communism I Lea Ypi on Youtube.
What a moving review you've just posted, Mark. I'm listening to her author interview now that Bianca mentioned. I've just added her book. Thank you for your review, my friend!
Glad you enjoyed this book too, Mark. Thanks for including the photo, by the way. It looks like a photo from the early twentieth century given the sepia tones but it has to be 1986 or later. Isn't it a perfect example of how isolated from the rest of the world Albania was until 1991, both politically and economically.
Esta wrote: "What a stirring and profound review Mark! I can tell how many emotions it evoked. Thanks for sharing. 🤗"Thanks again Esta, super kind - have a great weekend 🤗🎈
Jonathan wrote: "Funny, thought-provoking and profound. Sounds like it's got it all Marko! Glad you got another 5-star under the belt, mate! :)"Yeah, this was supposed to be 'the year of stingy ratings' Jonno - I think my average so far is 6.3!!! Thanks again mate :))
Bianca wrote: "Fantastic review, Mark. It makes me super happy to see you appreciated this as much as I did. It is a superior memoir as it's written in such an interesting way."Thanks very much Bianca - I just re-read your review and now I've read this, I could appreciate it even more. Particularly your experience being raised in Romania - under Ceausescu no doubt, did you leave after he was deposed (if you don't mind me asking)? You're right about the writing here - it was really good wasn't it? Thanks for you kind comments 🤗
Bianca wrote: "There is an interview that you may enjoy. I'm not allowed to post links, but just search for Growing up during the last days of communism I Lea Ypi on Youtube."I'll check it out Bianca, she's a remarkable woman - I find it interesting she Ypi specialises in Marxism too. Did you check out the link at the end of my review :))
Vanessa wrote: "What a moving review you've just posted, Mark. I'm listening to her author interview now that Bianca mentioned. I've just added her book. Thank you for your review, my friend!"Brilliant to see you've added this one Vanessa - I was lucky to find this one in my library, hopefully you can read it - I know you'll love it. Thanks so much 🤗🎈
Fionnuala wrote: "Glad you enjoyed this book too, Mark. Thanks for including the photo, by the way. It looks like a photo from the early twentieth century given the sepia tones but it has to be 1986 or later. Isn't..."
I enjoyed your review Fi, and great to see you liked this book too. Such an interesting account of life under an authoritarian regime. There's a real, clean honesty on view here - the view of a young girl, not filtered through the jaundiced views of adulthood - imagine a memoir written by the mother or father? It would obviously read so differently. Great stuff - oh, and I had to share that photo, I think it's wonderful. It show a sort of inner pride and strength in this you lea Yi (I think) - thanks so much :))
Five stars from you and Bianca! A must-read then, Mark. What an excellent review!
Oh yes, Laysee, a definite must-read. I reckon you will love this one. Thanks heaps 🤗🎈
Glad to see you in team Ypi too, Mark! It's was only by reading it that I truly 'saw' and understood the cover with the coca cola can and the flower, what a powerful image it is evoking her youth, isn't it? Your thought-provoking questions and reflections on true freedom make clear that discussing freedom can feed enough books to fill an entire library - a library in which this book deserves a prominent place. And so you reminded me of another book that sounds like a must read on these questions, On Freedom - thank you :-).
It’s always important to read about cultures do completely different even though it’s not always easy. Thanks for sharing Mark!
What an amazing review, Mark. Goes without saying that I added it immediately. It always stuns me at how much goes on in the world that we just fail to stop and notice in any meaningful way. I recently finished a book about the Khmer Rouge. We take a lot for granted.
Ilse wrote: "Glad to see you in team Ypi too, Mark! It's was only by reading it that I truly 'saw' and understood the cover with the coca cola can and the flower, what a powerful image it is evoking her youth, ...""Team Ypi" indeed, Ilse!!! The Coca Cola can story was a good one wasn't it? You're right about the whole question of freedom - what it is, what it feels like - is it an illusive objective? - It could fill a library, I will certainly check out the book you mentioned (another wormhole to disappear into for days on end, no doubt!!). Thanks for checking out my review Ilse, now to head over and check out yours. A great memoir - Have a great weekend :))
ps. My library doesn't have "On Freedom", but I have just reserved Snyder's "On Tyranny" - thanks for the recommendation anyway!!!
Lori wrote: "It’s always important to read about cultures do completely different even though it’s not always easy. Thanks for sharing Mark!"Oh you bet Lori!! I had some basic understanding of this country in the Balkans - and the fact it was under an authoritarian regime for decades - but to get an insiders view, and a young person's view was a real privilege. Thanks so much :))
Sara wrote: "What an amazing review, Mark. Goes without saying that I added it immediately. It always stuns me at how much goes on in the world that we just fail to stop and notice in any meaningful way. I rece..."I am so happy to see you've added this wonderful memoir Sara - I know you won't regret reading this one, it's a real page turner. The Khmer Rouge is a shocking story isn't it? Dreadful - we may know a little more about it, as it's in our part of the world, but I think it's worth knowing more. I will check out your thread to find out the book you read. We do take a lot for granted don't we? Makes one stop and think, really think, doesn't it? I'm looking forward to reading your thoughts on this one - thank you :))
Hey Kevin, great to hear from you mate, I hope all is well and thank you so much, this was a great read mate :))
I’ve always found the about-face of a regime change when it comes to The Truth is a fascinating turn of events. The same thing happened in South Africa where the story of the Great Trek (Dutch Afrikaners moving further inland in the 1830’s) changed from one year (“the brave settlers ventured forth into lands defending themselves from wild and dangerous natives�) to the next (“the brutal colonisers further invaded the lands of the brave traditional landowners�).
It’s no surprise Lea saw the same thing in her youth.
Her story sounds incredibly moving, thank you for sharing, Mark. Fantastic review as always! 🙌🙌
Sounds so good Mark. The questions asked are meaningful, and I love the coming-of-age aspect in novels, but with a memoir that could be so much more poignant. Heartbreaking for a child no doubt here. Terrific review.
Beautiful review, Mark. 🤗💕
Lisa wrote: "I’ve always found the about-face of a regime change when it comes to The Truth is a fascinating turn of events. The same thing happened in South Africa where the story of the Great Trek (Dutch Af..."
Super kind of you Lisa, that's a top analogy you raise re South Africa. It is always the same isn't it? When we see, even in so called healthy democracies have a change of Government - the new Government will paint an entirely different picture of 'the truth. However, it must have been all consuming in these authoritarian regimes where the 'truth' was like the laws of nature. Thanks again for chipping in Lisa - are they clown hands?? 😆🎈
Ron wrote: "Sounds so good Mark. The questions asked are meaningful, and I love the coming-of-age aspect in novels, but with a memoir that could be so much more poignant. Heartbreaking for a child no doubt her..."Oh yes, and confusing Ron. I can understand why parents would want to go around the house in front to the kids saying "Enver Hoxha is a Muppet!!!" - imagine if they repeated that at school? Next night there'd be a black van taking them away. Sounds dreadful doesn't it? Thanks mate :))
Shelley's Book Nook wrote: "Beautiful review, Mark. 🤗💕"Thanks again for dropping in and your nice comment Shelley 🤗🎈
Memoirs have NEVER been my thing, so really not looking forward to trashing this lovely, sad and profound book. Do support freedom though, in all its forms. Great review Mark! Glad you loved it so much :D
Bahahaha, love it Fede!!! Great reply mate - it's always good to know what you like and what you don't like! Thanks again mate 👍 👌
Ha ha no Mark they’re high five hands (well 4 lots of them so technically high twenty hands) 🌟
Such a profound review, Mark! And I wholeheartedly agree with your opening line. Lea Ypi's memoir deserves to be read.
Lisa wrote: "Ha ha no Mark they’re high five hands (well 4 lots of them so technically high twenty hands) 🌟"😆😆😆
Nika wrote: "Such a profound review, Mark! And I wholeheartedly agree with your opening line. Lea Ypi's memoir deserves to be read."I loved your review of this one Nika, particularly after I read this wonderful book. Thanks again for your kind comments, always good :))
Fantastic review, Mark! I don’t usually read memoirs, but your review makes me want to look into this one.
Jonas wrote: "Fantastic review, Mark! I don’t usually read memoirs, but your review makes me want to look into this one."Well, this one is well worth it Jonas. If you do pick it up, I hope you enjoy it - thanks again mate :))
Another fantastic review, meet friend! I’ll definitely keep this one in mind when I’m in the mood for a memoir.
Nancy (playing catch-up) wrote: "Another fantastic review, meet friend! I’ll definitely keep this one in mind when I’m in the mood for a memoir."Hey Nancy, thank you - I know you'd love this if you can get your ands on a copy. I real page turner and a great glimpse into life in Albania during that time. A few chuckles too! 🤗
Mark, between what you, Fionnuala, and Nika wrote and the comment threads, I now feel I have read this book. What a gift.
Lisa wrote: "Mark, between what you, Fionnuala, and Nika wrote and the comment threads, I now feel I have read this book. What a gift."You MUST, Lisa - I'd have loved to have Buddy Read this with you - there's so much to chat about. :))
Fantastic review Mark! Adding! 😊
Karen wrote: "Fantastic review Mark! Adding! 😊"Ahhhh brilliant Kazza, I hope you do read it - I reckon you'll love it. It's a remarkable human story - thank you 🤗
Very kind of you Stacey, this one was so easy to write about though - it was so good. With great photos too!! Thank you :))
I hear you, Markus, and I'm adding it, my friend! It's good to know that there's a bit of humor here. It's something I'm in need of when reading some of these difficult stories. I do love that beach picture too :)
Candi wrote: "I hear you, Markus, and I'm adding it, my friend! It's good to know that there's a bit of humor here. It's something I'm in need of when reading some of these difficult stories. I do love that beac..."Oh, I'm so glad to see you add this one Canders - you must read it, serious stuff with some family hilarity. I think this will be a nice tonic for you. I'm also happy you like that photo of a young Lea Ypi - I don't want to sound like a wanker, but she displays some sort of inner strength there I reckon. Not only in her facial expression but also her posture. She wrote a beautiful book. Thanks my friend :))
Qué buena reseña mi querido amigo! Tienes razón: es muy difícil
Eager to hear your thoughts on it, Mark!