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A review by anastasia_caramel
The Balkans: A Short History by Mark Mazower
3.0
I read (or rather listened to this book) because my Romanian friend recommended it to me, since I was interested in learning more about the Balkans.
It was an interesting read. But I do have some issues with the book.
It completely ignores the presence of Cossacks and Ukrainians during the Middle Ages. Even though Ukraine wasn’t part of Moscow (russian) empire until 17th century.
If the author can’t give an empire it’s proper name then I’m not sure how credible he is on the subject.
Plus, he says about how good soviet union was for industrialization of the Balkans. But barely speaks about the horrors that it created at the same time. For example, like forced collectivization and gulags.
I guess as a quick review for the region this book is okay. But it has its issues as well.
It was an interesting read. But I do have some issues with the book.
It completely ignores the presence of Cossacks and Ukrainians during the Middle Ages. Even though Ukraine wasn’t part of Moscow (russian) empire until 17th century.
If the author can’t give an empire it’s proper name then I’m not sure how credible he is on the subject.
Plus, he says about how good soviet union was for industrialization of the Balkans. But barely speaks about the horrors that it created at the same time. For example, like forced collectivization and gulags.
I guess as a quick review for the region this book is okay. But it has its issues as well.