The reviewer indicates that the book is not bad, suggesting it possesses some merit despite the criticisms that follow. This implies that while the book's core arguments may be debatable, it is not entirely without value or insight into its subject.
Disliked
However, the primary critique from the reviewer is that the author, Nicolas Trifon, asks "the wrong questions" regarding the subject matter. The reviewer specifically challenges the book's central premise concerning the distinctness of Aromanians. It is argued that the author misrepresents the broader linguistic and ethnic classifications, particularly in how "Romanian" is understood scientifically as an inclusive term for various Balkan Romance dialects. The reviewer suggests that the book's emphasis on differences, rather than a unifying framework, could lead to a skewed perception, drawing an analogy to how focusing solely on regional dialects in Italy might create an artificial sense of multiple distinct groups.
In short
In conclusion, while the book is not dismissed as entirely without value, its fundamental approach to the linguistic and ethnic classification of Aromanians is viewed as problematic by this reviewer. It would likely appeal to readers with a strong interest in the intricate debates surrounding Balkan ethnography, linguistics, and identity, particularly concerning the Aromanian community. However, potential readers should approach it with an awareness that its core arguments and framing of the subject matter may be contentious among scholars in the field.