The Places In Between by Rory Stewart
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Book Reviews of The Places In Between
Book Review: Entertaining read
Summary: 5 Stars
I enjoyed this book in part because of it's structure: a series of short essays about each part of this man's incredible walk. It's not long-winded or preachy, yet it clearly outlines the culture and the recent troubles in the region.
Well done.
Book Review: An Amazing Journey
Summary: 5 Stars
Rory Stewart is a cool customer. He plows through chest-deep snow, faces semi-psychotic, gun-toting goons, and is told outright "you will die." Although he may have actually yelled, cried, and prayed fervently during this Kafka-esque series of events, he reports on his historic trek with the aplomb of James Bond ordering a martini while dodging bullets.
Personally, I believe his surprising sangfroid in the face of danger is not exaggerated to impress the reader. Stewart also earns respect for his expert knowledge of early architecture. He rather obtrusively weaves the historic accounts of Babur's original travels through the text, but the canine, v. royal Babur portions of the narrative add color and interest to the tale.
It's unsettling to read a book in which an entire gender is missing, but despite traveling hundreds of miles through many villages, the women are sequestered.
I spent a fair amount of time mulling over the courage/stupidity equation (if he has a family, I can't imagine their worry), but am grateful that we have someone to witness and chronicle this important place and time with clarity, pragmatism, and ultimately, compassion. (Although it's at least a little ironic that we congratulate those of us who travel through these regions, never mind the people who are actually trying to survive there.)
Thanks to Stewart, we have a much richer view of a complicated land and diverse people. May he survive to tell more tales.
Book Review: An Amazing Journey
Summary: 5 Stars
It is difficult to comprehend Rory Stewart's walk across Afghanistan. He describes the cultural differences and isolation between the various tribes he encountered. He also coped with extremes of weather and temperture during his winter hike. The book is very readable and informative. Book Review: Purchase the CD and Listen to Stewart's Voice
Summary: 5 Stars
How is it possible for a young Scotsman to walk across war ravaged Afghanistan armed only with a walking stick and a toothless dog? The secret is in his voice. A product of Eton and Oxford, Rory Stewart has the deep confidence and sense of command that comes from an elite English education. It was old Etonians like Stewart who won the battle of Waterloo and went on to create the British Empire. Rory Stewart recorded the Audio CD version of his book. Listening to his voice makes his story all the more rich and understandable. Highly recommended.Book Review: Fascinating Individual - Great Story
Summary: 5 Stars
Not your typical `road book'. Rory is an incredibly brave Scot with a real empathy for the people he meets on his travels. This beautifully written book left me in awe of the depth of character this man has - a modern day `Lawrence'. Bravo!
Synopsis: Rory Stewart, an ex-soldier and diplomat completed a walk across the Muslin world by crossing Afghanistan just after the U.S. supported ouster of the Taliban. He speaks the local languages and is steeped in their customs, so is able to relate the real world that exists away from the major cities in Afghanistan - a feudal world where women are never seen, hospitality is dictated by religion and the person who took pot shots at you in the afternoon will feed you in the evening. A rich book with the author's passion for the culture shining through. Nice dog angle for the pet lovers too :).