The Devil’s Dictionary defines biography as the literary tribute a little man pays to a big one. In Albania, “biography” was a measure of ideological soundness – or not.

The Devil’s Dictionary defines biography as the literary tribute a little man pays to a big one. In Albania, “biography” was a measure of ideological soundness – or not. It determined how high one might rise in society, how closely any little person might approach the nation’s tinpot leader, Enver Hoxha. Among other perceived shortcomings, Lea Ypi’s family spoke French. She’s now a professor of political science, and Free: Coming of Age at the End of History (Allen Lane, £20; Tablet price £18) is a quietly devastating and often surreal memoir of life under a Ruritanian regime. A child’s view is maintained throughout, subtly deepening the darker tones. One bizarre detail speaks eloquently: the domestic item everyone covets? A red Coca-Cola can. Empty, of course. Only imperialists drink the stuff.

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