Rumpalla: Rummaging Through Albania

Set against the backdrop of late 1980s Albania, this narrative captures the author's journey as the first American reporter permitted entry in decades. Through his travels, he documents Albania's transition from Stalinist communism to emerging democracy. Alongside his journalistic endeavors, he explores personal connections, including searching for a WWII plane crash site and his father's village. His experiences include interactions with both peasants and political leaders, offering a multifaceted view of a nation in transformation during a pivotal historical period.