For many centuries, Bulgarian Roma made their living by entertaining people in squares with dancing bears. But one day it all came to an end: the animals were taken from their former owners and placed in a special sanctuary. From now on, yesterday’s performers are left to their own devices—but will they be able to get used to their new life?
For the Polish journalist Witold Szabłowski, dancing bears are a vivid metaphor with which he explores the post-communist world. He travels across European countries, meets local people. His book offers no ready-made answers. The author invites the reader to try to answer the questions themselves, while he serves only as a guide.