The Gypsies by Jan Yoors Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Gypsies
Book Review: I felt like a Gypsie
Summary: 5 Stars
Reading this book helped me understand how the Gypsies fit into society and more importantly, how their family and social structure operates. It didn't go so much into the history of the Gypsies, so I recommend other books if your objective is to find out every detail of their history. But one thing the author points out is that the Gypsies see us (Ganji) as rediculous people who deserve to be told lies - so I wonder how much real information is out there about their history.
What I DID learn is how structured and reverent their own rules are about how they treat each other. Some of which, especially concerning their attitudes on cleanliness and respect for each other, were particularly interesting and at times seemed more strict than in our societies.
Overall, an easy read and provides a great glimpse into a world none of us knows too much about.
Book Review: Lyrically written and very moving
Summary: 5 Stars
Jan Yoors ran away at a young age from his phenomenally understanding Belgian parents and lived on and off with a Lowara gypsy kumpana for many years. Always split between the worlds of the Gajo (European) and Rom (Gypsy) he nevertheless became one of them though never totally abandoning his European heritage. His writing is nothing short of miraculous; lyrical, clear and touching. Jan Yoors also wrote a follow up book (Crossings) about his years in the Resistance during WWII. Both books are truly wonderful. If you read any book about the Romany people, this should be the one.Book Review: Oliver's opinion
Summary: 5 Stars
First I have to admit I am a gaje. However, I have an adopted grandson who is Gypsy. He is from a small town in Hungary near the Russian border. I have read a number of books related to the Gypsys and without a doubt this is absoultely the best as it deals with the lives of the Gypsy rather than the meaningless statistics of them or the hardships they have endured. The book left me with a number of unanswered questions such as what happened to Pulika and some of the others that Jan Yoors was associated with during his travels. I have somewhat of an understanding of why Yoors wrote the book in the manner in which he did because of the phylosophy of the Gypsys and their concept of today, completely disregarding yesterday and tomorrow as well as his deep feeling for those with whom he was associated. I found the answer to my questions by reading a follow-up article which answered most of my questions. That article is located at the following website and I would suggest reading this article only after reading the book. It is most unfortunate that Jan Yoors died at such a young age as he obviously had much to offer humanity in its consideration and accepatance of those who are unlike ourselves, but who at the same time have much to offet our society, regardless of the differences in customs and heritage. My grandson has taught me much about being different, which is a lesson much appreciated. Jan Yoors has done mankind a great service in sharing his experiences with us. God rest his soul and give him peace as the Gypsys would want. The site for a follow-up is http://www.nieman.harvard.edu/narrative/digest/notable/gypsy-mjones-010178-a.htmlBook Review: One of the best Romani resources.
Summary: 5 Stars
I am of Romani descent, my ancestors were Czech, and as a girl my great-grandmother told me fascinating stories about her family's nomadic lifestyle. For me, Yoors' work was a continuation of my grannies stories. Of all the material I have read on the Romani, I found "The Gypsies" to be the most concise. Yoors had the amazing opportunity to not only observe the Romani society, but also to be absorbed into it. The readers are given the rare gift of seeing dual sides of the story. Because of his young age, he was able to enter into their society with few cultural biases. At the same time, because he was a gaje he was able to appreciate and embrace the cultural differences. This is a wonderful chronicle of a beautiful culture, which unfortunately is fading fast. For infomation on present day Romani, "Bury Me Standing" by Isabel Fonseca is a great resource.Book Review: The true life of the Rom
Summary: 5 Stars
Beautifully written, incredibly descriptive, and by far the most in-depth and honest record of the Romani Gypsies. Jan Yoors' half life as a Gypsy is unlike any other account you'll read about the Rom.