In-spite of uninterrupted prosperity from 2003 until 2008 the main characteristic of the transition period in South-East European countries has been a plight and suffering of majority of population. The transition produced some winners and many losers. This is why at least 80% of people in the South-East European countries think that life was better in the ancient regime. The book analysis in detail economic performance in the region after the fall of communism and gives some explanation and possible reasons for a widespread disappointment with transition.