THE BALKANS

Mazower's premise in this accessible history is that many Western historians fall back on a prejudicial view of this part of the world, namely that it is a place of violence and barbarism peopled by primitive, albeit quaint, peasants. Claims that ethnic diversity is the underlying cause of civil strife he takes exception to; he says that there has been this same diversity for centuries and that the conflicts are engendered by modernity and the sudden furor for nationalism that swept Eastern Europe in the wake of collapsing Communism. Robert O'Keefe handles this narration with great ability, giving a steady and crisp performance. While there's not much chance for interesting characterization in nonfiction audio, O'Keefe uses the tumult of historical events to serve as a dramatic impetus. D.G. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 03/JAN 04]