Best Books About Albania: My Top 8 Choices

Welcome to my literary journey through Albania, a hidden gem nestled in the hearts of the Balkans! Albania’s literary scene is largely untapped, a shame as its history is exquisitely interesting. In this blog, I aim to tell you all you need to know about the top-rated books about Albania.

We will explore the rich tapestry of Albanian literature, uncovering stories reflecting the country’s tumultuous history, vibrant culture and stunning landscapes. From classic light novels to contemporary masterpieces, books about Albania produce a range of words to voices representing this nation’s soul.

Whether you’re a seasoned bibliophile or curious about Albanian culture, you have come to the right place! Ready to explore Albania through wordings? So am I! Let’s get started!

Key Takeaways 

• There are a plethora of books about Albania that travellers can read to educate themselves on Albanian history and local culture.
• Books like The Accursed Mountains, High Albania, and Albania Bradt Travel Guide are perfect for nonfiction enthusiasts.
• For those looking to learn Albanian history, Broken April, The File on H, Albania’s Mountain Queen, and Albania From Anarchy are viable choices.
• The more you read about these books, the more you get accustomed to Albanian culture.

Broken April

When Gjorg’s brother is killed by a neighbour, the ancient code of Canun requires him to take revenge. But avenging his brother’s death comes with a price: Gjorg himself becomes a marked man.

Kadare masterfully explores themes of honour, fate, and tradition in this haunting 20th-century classic. A story that will transport you to the deep-rooted customs and traditions of Northern Albania.

• Author: Ismail Kadare
• Goodreads Rating: 4.01 stars
• Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Classics, Novels, Literature, Albanian Literature, 20th Century
• Type: 216 pages, paperback
• First Published: November 23rd, 1978

The Accursed Mountains: Journeys in Albania

Travelling by bus, on foot, and even staying in Stalinist tower blocks, Robert Carver takes readers on an unforgettable journey through Albania. Along the way, he encounters a fascinating mix of people: Vlach shepherds, ex-communist Special Forces officers, heroin smugglers, and even survivors of Albania’s gulags.

He also meets ex-prisoners of Enver Hoxha, who ended up spending 45 years stuck in the Albanian gulag. While he is travelling to Lake Gashit, Carver survives major murder attempts and bus rides that were meant to drive off the main path. He even sees ghost villages last visited in 1933.

This book is a must-read for anyone exploring Albania or its landmarks. It offers a raw and authentic glimpse into its culture, history, and beauty.

• Author: Robert Carver
• Goodreads Rating: 3.66 stars
• Genre: Travel, Nonfiction, History, European History, Memoir, Biography
• Type: Paperback, 352 pages
• First Published: February 1, 1996

High Albania

High Albania by Mary Edith Durham is a true classic that takes readers back to the Balkans of the early 20th century. Following her doctor’s advice to visit Montenegro, Durham, an artist and illustrator, set off on an adventure that led her deep into the heart of Albania. Her writings bring to life the everyday customs and traditions of the time – many of which have since disappeared.

Her comments and opinions tell you how to resolve the region’s vexed and, frankly, sadistic politics. The author herself was a remarkable woman of her time, carving a life for herself as a traveller.

This has to be one of my favourite reads, and I recommend it to anyone looking to familiarise themselves with old history.

• Author: Mary Edith Durham
• Goodreads Rating: 4,10 stars
• Genre: Travel, History, Non-Fiction, British Literature, European History, Memoir and Anthropology.
• Type: Paperback, 384 pages
• First Published: October 1, 1909

The File On H

The File on H is about two young American scholars who courageously voyage to the Albanian Highlands in the mid-1930s. Their mission is to discover how Homer could have composed such brilliant pieces as The Odyssey and The Iliad.

Their research project makes them the centre of ethnic strife while residing in the Balkans. Being mistaken for mistake spies, they get placed under strict surveillance.

• Author: Ismail Kadare
• Goodreads Rating: 3.80 stars
• Genre: Fiction, Albanian Literature, Literature, Novels, 20th Century, European Literature, Historical Fiction
• Type: Paperback, 202 pages
• First Published: January 1, 1981

Albania: The Bradt Travel Guide

After decades of tyranny and instability, travellers are finally able to explore some of the most beautiful places in Albania. This Bradt travel guide is at the top of the Albanian booking stats. It gives the reader a fresh new look into its heritage influenced by the Italians, Greeks, Romans and Turks.

• Author: Gillian Gloyer
• Goodreads Rating: 3.78 stars
• Genre: Geography, Non-Fiction, Travel
• Type: Paperback, 272 pages
• First Published: February 1, 2004

Albania’s Mountain Queen: Edith Durham And The Balkans

In the Edwardian and Victorian eras, no woman was expected to travel without a male on her side, yet Edith Durham did the unthinkable. In 1900, she set sail for the Balkans, a trip which would essentially change her entire life course. As she travelled to the Balkans, she fell in love with the topography and the region.

While in Montenegro, she became a very respected confidante of Montenegro’s King at the time. She even ran a successful hospital in Macedonia. But perhaps the thing that impresses me the most about her is how she became one of the first female war correspondents who was a female in history at the time.

• Author: Marcus Tanner
• Goodreads Rating: 4.24 stars
• Genre: History
• Type: Hardcover, 304 pages
• First Published: April 21, 2014

Albania: From Anarchy To A Balkan Identity

For people looking to exclusively research about Albania’s history, this one is a must-read! The book talks about how Albania has been perceived as isolationist and primitive by its Western neighbours.

When the country broke free of Communist rule in 1992, explorers were still terrified to explore this beautiful country.

The iconic duo authors take us behind the veil of Enver Hoxha’s tyrannic policies. It digs deeper into the historical events that led up to Albania’s eventual transition to being a part of the parliamentary government.

This book is a pure analytical read about how the political, religious, moral, financial and economic identity of Albanians would be redefined after breaking free.

• Authors: James Pettifer and Miranda Vickers
• Goodreads Rating: 3.42 stars
• Genre: History
• Type: Paperback, 336 pages
• First Published: April 1, 1997

Albanian Cookbook: Traditional Recipes From Albania

A rather simple book, but important nonetheless! The Albanian cookbook provides a selection of all kinds of recipes originating from Albania. They are easy to follow too! From hearty stews to yummy pieces and delectable desserts, the book covers all of them!

Alongside learning about Albanian dishes, you also get the chance to learn about the dish’s origin and its significance in Albanian history.

• Author: Liam Luxe
• Goodreads Rating: N/A
• Genre: Cooking
• Type: Kindle Edition, 114 pages
• First Published: September 20, 2023

Conclusion

If you’re a bookworm and would love to learn more about Albania’s history, traditions and customs, we hope you enjoyed these suggestions.

Let me know what you think in the comments and if you’ve read any of them.