Review: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Elections by Lois Ann Nicolai

Lois Ann Nicolai dives into another fascinating chapter of her own life in Ordinary People, Extraordinary Elections: A Memoir of International Democracy Builders, an insightful and passionately penned memoir.

Reflecting on political subjects and personal experiences that are both timely and timeless, readers are given a behind-the-scenes view into the nuances of contentious elections and culture in a myriad of countries, across Bosnia, Croatia, Sarajevo, Macedonia, Georgia, Kosovo, and more. This may not sound like a suspense-filled premise for a memoir, but given the particular locations and high-stakes geopolitical contexts of the author’s travels, many of the anecdotes are downright thrilling.

Working as an International Democratic Election Supervisor and Observer in ten European countries proves to be ripe fodder for jaw-dropping stories and on-the-ground perspectives that are rarely documented, let alone compiled. Complemented by candid photos of her adventures and achievements abroad, this deeply personal memoir is a testament to electoral freedom, democracy, and personal service to the greater good. In an era when election integrity is being questioned across the world, this memoir is a reminder of the effort and dedication required to protect sacred liberties around the world.

Those readers who are unfamiliar with Eastern European political structures, or the fascinating history of post-Cold War voting blocs, will likely learn a great deal about this resilient region, as well as about constitutions and electoral systems that are actually more progressive than the United States and other western superpowers. The nitty-gritty of electioneering is rarely dull when explained by an author who sincerely cares for and enjoys this niche of essential work. The depth of detail is also notable, evidence of an excellent memory or a reliable habit of journaling, allowing for these adventures to come to vivid life on the page, even thirty years later.

When it comes to the writing itself, there is a purity and authenticity that resonates throughout; Nicolai is not a professional writer, but she is a very skilled storyteller. That being said, the prose could use an edit in places, particularly for the excessive use of exclamation points, redundancies in the writing, and convoluted syntax: “She brought it into public attention in an enormous way that only she could have done.” While there aren’t a multitude of technical errors, there are many sentences and sections that could be cleaned up and tightened to be more impactful, without compromising the content of the story.

Some of the less relevant minutiae could also be trimmed, while the procedural tone when explaining certain gatherings, bureaucracies, events, and relationships can come off as monotone, regardless of how impressive the group of people or an event might be. Finally, Nicolai touches on people’s religious affiliation and beliefs multiple times, which can sometimes feel out of place, particularly given the political focus of the book.

With some small adjustments that would both add credibility and increase readability, this middle chapter of Nicolai’s truly unique series of memoirs could hit an even higher note, but overall Ordinary People, Extraordinary Elections tells a unique and vital story.

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