Hidden Macedonia: The Mystic Lakes of Ohrid and Prespa

by Christopher Deliso

The tectonic lakes of Macedonia, Ohrid and Prespa, are among the most ancient and enthralling in the world, abundant in rare wildlife and the seat of mediaeval kingdoms, richly endowed with sacred shrines, mysteries and watery legends.

271 pages, Hardcover

First published July 27, 2007

Reviews

[Andrew Clement · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is the an American travel writer's account of his trip around a couple of lakes that straddle the Greek, Albanian and Macedonian border. The first part of the book, set in Albania, is the most fascinating, but also the shortest, with its no street lights, no directions and roads that dead-end for no reason. The author is traveling with his Greek friend and you really get the sense that you're transport to a totally different place along with them.
As the title suggests, the lion's share of the book is set in Macedonia. The section about Vevcani, a town which tried to declare itself an independent state, is interesting. However, afterwards, when his friend has to leave and his wife and small child arrive, the book basically turns into a lengthy account of some guy's family vacation (the author basically admits that's what the rest of the book is going to be in the text).
Good to get a sense of place if you're traveling to the region.