Peaks of Shala by Rose Wilder Lane is a beautifully written novel that transports readers to a remote village in the Shala mountains. The author's vivid descriptions bring the setting to life, making the reader feel as though they are right there alongside the characters.

The story follows the journey of Lony, a young girl who must navigate the challenges of growing up in a harsh and unforgiving environment. Through her struggles, readers are able to witness her resilience and determination as she overcomes obstacles and learns valuable life lessons.

What makes this novel truly special is Lane's ability to explore complex themes such as family, friendship, and the power of nature. The relationships between the characters are well-developed and realistic, adding depth and emotional resonance to the story.

Overall, Peaks of Shala is a captivating and thought-provoking read that will resonate with readers long after they have turned the final page. Lane's lyrical prose and compelling storytelling make this novel a must-read for fans of literary fiction.

Book Description:
This book was published in 1923. From the author's own Introduction: "I would not have this book considered too seriously. It is not an attempt to untangle one thread in the Balkan snarl; it is not a study of primitive peoples; it is not a contribution to the world’s knowledge, and I hope no one will read it to improve the mind. It should be read as the adventures in it were lived, with a gayly inquiring mind, a taste for strange peoples and unknown trails, and a delight in the unexpected. Here I give you only what I saw, felt, and most casually learned while adventuring among the tribes in the interior northern Albanian mountains..."

Three brave American Zonyas venture into the mountains of Northern Albania at a time not long after the Great War, when the boundaries of the Balkan states were still hotly disputed. The author tells us why: "the people are living as they lived twenty centuries ago, before the Greek or the Roman or the Slav was ever known. There are prehistoric cities up there, old legends, songs, customs that no one knows anything about. No stranger’s ever even seen them."

What better reason to risk life, health, and limb?