Abstract
The contribution focuses on the person of the most famous Albanian writer Ismail Kadare and his work. Due to his authority abroad, Kadare's position among Albanians is unique and contradictory.
He is glorified as a standard-bearer of Albanian culture in the world, but also denounced and accused of collaboration with the Communist regime. The contribution will cast a light on Kadare's ambivalent position.
In addition, it will analyse his literary work which can be perceived as an intriguing construct of Albanian cultural and political history. The description of Albanian life and institutions outlined by him influences the view of Albanians abroad.
This is why this contribution will try to find a response to the question of whether the picture of Albanians painted by Kadare is closer to the concept of a hero, a trickster or an antagonist.