I am usually a hard judge on items I review and I give this book five stars without reservation.
Short review: If you are fascinated with names like Thermopylae, Masada, Alamo, Dien Bien Phu, Chosin, Mogadishu, or any heroic fight of a few against many, you will love this book. If you are a historian, you will love this book. If you are a person of faith, you will love this book. If you are a militaria enthusiast, you will love this book (snipers are used here three hundred years before the American Revolution). If you are Albanian, especially Shkodran, it behooves you to own this book. The defenders, outnumbered approximately 200:1, fight fiercely to defends their city, fatherland, families, and faith. Shakespeare could easily have said that men will think themselves accursed and hold their manhoods cheap for not being at the second Siege of Shkodra.
Longer review: I should disclaim that I am probably unable to suppress all bias regarding this book (my eponymous username would probably betray me anyway) since I took some of my first steps inside the walls of Shkodra's castle. That said, my rating is consistent with the majority of the reviewers and easy to support.
On the original work: It is a rare, wonderfully recorded episode of the struggle between East and West, Islam and Christianity, Turks and Albanians. After you read this book and fully understand the importance of this event, you will wonder why it took so long for for someone to translate into English. It is a uncommon account of large-scale siege told by one of the besieged. It is a galvanizing, epic story of the stubborn, proud resistance of few against many, of freedom against tyranny, of patriots against invaders. A humbling, spiritual journey filled with heroic, superhuman feats that is uplifting and, at the same time, makes one question his self-worth.
For academics, this book brings to light an untapped source of military history and tradition. It is descriptive in technical and sociological details.
On the translation: First off, this is a lot more than just a translation. The translator has meticulously researched details and also reached out to experts, both Eastern and Western, to provide a full picture of understanding for the modern reader. Abulafia's introduction sets the perfect stage for the story that follows. The additional translated materials from contemporary Ottoman chroniclers were an unexpected bonus that support the main story told by Barleti.
I think, the translation itself is masterful. While I did not use my 1962 Albanian translation to verify every word, I looked for words that I commonly see translated inadequately, such as besa. Besa is more than just a word meaning faith, promise, loyalty, given word. It's all of them and more. It's a sacred tenet of Albanian life. Simply transliterating it does not fully convey its meaning. Hosaflook did an exceptional job in conveying these ideas. There are abundant notes clarifying translation, dates, and other details.
In an effort to suppress bias, I tried hard to find things I did not like. It is likely that Marin Barleti drew the details for the book from his diary, possibly complimented by other diaries and interviews from contemporary Albanian exiles in Venice. This can probably be detected in the book in some cases where the story climbs to a captivating climax and then plummets with minor details. Perhaps not a fair criticism against a XVI century author who may have chosen to stop with verifiable information, instead of filling in the story with apocryphal information.
Alex Buda's introduction, while accurate and scholarly, may not fully stress the factor of faith in this conflict. This should not be taken as an accusation of bias toward him. In communist Albania, books were heavily reviewed and redacted. Religion was banned and clergymen were imprisoned, killed, or persecuted. It is possible that Buda tried to not bring unwanted attention to the book or ding his professional career.
Another thing I did not like is that the Albanian words were not given in Gegnisht, which may take away some authenticity for those who understand them. Kipling's poetry may be a good example; he stays true to the spoken language.
However, none of this takes away from the fact that the book is an amazing, captivating story of human resolve, faith, and sacrifice that would be an enriching addition to everyone's library.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
