The Romani Gypsies

I had been looking for a book about the Roma culture, and this one looked good. It was well researched. There were no judgements, and the author spent time with the subjects in their homes getting familiar with the customs and traditions that were part of their culture.

This is an excellent overview of the Roma people of Europe. The author examines their history, and presents various theories of the origin of the Roma people in India and their westward migration into Europe. He explains in detail their family organization, values and beliefs. Several chapters are devoted to the terrible persecution, enslavement, genocide and segregation, and how they managed to survive and even thrive. This book deepened my respect and love for this wonderful people.

I was a little disappointed. I would have liked to have more knowledge about the Traditional Practices of the Romani Gypsies.

I learned quite a deal of newer information about the Gypsy people. The book talks about their history (loaded with dates, places, people), their social customs and cultural intricacies, the Gypsy language, and the Gypsies among European society. They are followed from Medieval times to modern post-Communist Europe. The most interesting chapter was the Gypsies "Between Romanticism and Racism." The author claims to have lived with the Gypsies and presents the information clearly and concisely.

It looks like it will be informative

Got this book for my husband. Came quickly and as expected.

The subject is certainly not meant for a wide audience, and even if someone is interested in learning about the Romani Gypsies, this account reads too much like a sociology textbook. The chapter on customs and life style is the most interesting, but I skimmed most of the other chapters.

Really good book; I am giving it 3 stars because of the author's constant stressing of the poor, discriminated against, misunderstood Romani. Maybe they have a bad rep because they have not always behaved honorably with Gadje. I had a very bad experience with some when I lived in Queens, NY. Their sorry state of education cannot be totally blamed on society. They drop out of school early to help their families and the author himself quotes an older man who stated, "our people don't read." I am fascinated by all sub-cultures, but do not feel responsible for their mistreatment. Romani's themselves reinforce stereotypes when they tell the story of why they feel no guilt about stealing from the Gadje: the Christ on the cross story. The author goes on and on about their poverty, but then states some are wealthy. That's the same as with any group. Again, this would have been a very good book without the moralizing about how outsiders are responsible for the marginalization of the Romani.

I am grateful to the author for this book. Highly informative.