New Europe

Twenty Eastern-European countries--that's a lot of languages, histories, vistas, and cups of espresso. In his latest travelogue Michael Palin crosses the borders of lands that until 15 years ago were hidden behind the Iron Curtain. One can hear his delight in digging up truffles, discovering Bulgarian Gypsies, and watching wrestling Turks. Appropriately, Palin finds a more somber tone for the aching weight of visiting Balkan mine fields, the concentration camp of Auschwitz, and the city of Dresden. "Overwhelmed by significance," he comments. Overall, he sees a cautiously optimistic future for the New Europe. As always, Palin escorts us armchair travelers down many a less-traveled road. We come away feeling enriched and thoroughly entertained. B.P. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine