Helena Gushi-Kadare

I can't remember who recommended this book to me, but it was definitely worth reading.
The story is told by a young woman who works in the state book publishing house in Albania, which was still closed at the time under the leadership of Enver Hoxha. 'The Big Boss', as he is known in the publishing industry, dominates the events of this book.
On the one hand, it is forbidden to make references to great authors from earlier times because, despite their great renown, they do not fit in politically with the times. It is as if they are trying to erase the history of Albania. This is almost unbearable for many employees in the publishing industry. They live in constant fear of being punished and the punishments were terrible.
On the other hand, the protagonist talks about the role of women in the closed Albania, which nobody would accept from today's perspective of the Western world.
This story gives a deep insight into life at that time, how people tried to cope with everyday life and how 'rebellious spirits' tried to create small freedoms for themselves.
It is a book that I can warmly recommend.… (más)