Once upon a time - not all that long ago - travel writers tended to write about places. I'm sure this writer's young son is quite delightful but there are times when you feel you know more about him than about Macedonia.
I am inclined to agree with redrelic17 about the way Albania has been dealt with. I'm not sure why the writer bothered with it at all since it seems to have been somewhere to get out of rather than providing a rare opportunity for exploration. (This is unfortunate since he describes the village of Lin, for instance, rather well.)
Neither is it clear why this book is about 'hidden' Macedonia. Admittedly the country is not well known but Ohrid is probably the best known part of it, (although Prespa is less so). But the 'hidden' parts do not easily lend themselves to a journey by public transport. We are told that Edward Lear found the Prespa - Ohrid road had the most beautiful view he had ever seen. Deliso didn't actually go and see this for himself. He should have - but you don't find many buses on that route. Kurbinovo, very close to Lake Prespa, does have exceptionally fine frescoes, as is mentioned. But there was no time - or was that no buses?
Macedonia deserves to be far better known and exploration - of the Ohrid / Prespa region in particular - is hugely rewarding. This book does have sections where you can feel what Macedonia and its people are about. But, sadly, the main impression is of a wasted opportunity. ( )

This book maligned Albania and focused way too much on eating. The author wrote in a stilted and distant manner. The faults were redeemed by the author's description of seldom-visited but terribly interesting sights in Macedonia ( )