The Places In Between by Rory Stewart
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Book Reviews of The Places In Between
Book Review: When History Meets the Now
Summary: 5 Stars
Rory Stewart writes an amazing tale that is both raw, authentic and self-deprecating. His analysis of the cultures of Afghanistan are insightful at times, yet often clouded in his own inability to enter the mist that is Afghanistan. He weaves a story of vignettes that recount lineages, ancient histories, modern bumblings and humorous anecdotes. I was gripped by the ruggedness of his account and spell-bound by a culture so far removed from my own (while uncomfortably striking too close to home).
Rory has managed to be both entertaining and educational at the same time, which few are truly capable of doing. For someone that frequently mentions his desire to travel alone, he has taken us all along with him (sometimes even dragging us as his own "Babur"). I look forward to joining him on some of his other mis-adventures in the future. Till then...Salaam.
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 :).
Book Review: Great book
Summary: 5 Stars
Not only is this just a great story, it is the closest thing to an interview with the most rural and most isolated part of Afghanistan. This is not a political book about the Afghan war or about policy in Afghanistan. Rather it is a book about Stewart's journey and you cannot hear that story and not hear about the Afghan people. This book is about the entirety of his journey. Yes there are long pieces that feel long and monochromatic, but that was part of his story, and for me it added to the reality of what his undertaking really was.
If you want a strong opinion out of this, or a clear policy, then don't bother. If you want to hear about an incredibly journey presented in humble terms, with a unflinching look at peoples lives, no matter how mundane or seemingly callous towards your pre-held beliefs, than this is the book for you.
Book Review: Excellent Read
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is a fascinating personal perspective of Afghanistan. Stewart allows his readers the opportunity to appreciate the human element of a war torn country as he tells his story of a journey on foot from Herat to Kabul. His insights are a refreshing take on the region and include the historical, political, anthropological, cultural and social strengths of this beautiful country.
I commend Stewart for his resilience and motivations to complete his walking journey through this politically unstable region of the world. This personal journey is an intriguing and inspirational story that will captivate anyone who reads it. This said, it is a book I own multiple copies of and have lent and given to a large number of friends, family and travelers- all of whom have also thoroughly enjoy it.
Book Review: A new Baburnama
Summary: 5 Stars
The author travels across Afghanistan from Herat to Kabul by foot, only a couple of months after the US has taken down Taliban regime. It turns out that the route and the season match the travel of Babur, the Turko-Mongol warrior who conquered northern part of South Asia and established the Mughal empire. Along the way, the author adopts a canine companion and names him Babur.
The book stands out for its candor and lack of pretension. The author is not a journalist on war-driven adrenalin rush, trying to write that "important" book. Nor is the journey a vanity-driven tour seeking cheap adventures - the author seems motivated by some deep personal reason that even he's not quite sure of.
An illuminating travelogue.