The parallel between rescued dancing bears in Bulgaria and citizens of relatively newly democratized nations is a compelling idea. The writing is easy to read, and the viewpoints captured (particularly in the latter section focusing on people, not bears) are eye-opening. I'd love to read a little more analysis to give a sense of how prevalent the nostalgic attitudes are within those societies and whether they differ significantly between generations. (Also, my paltry understanding of Europe's complexities has been driven home.)