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daniellewalsh's review
4.0
With Levison’s books I prefer to watch the documentary on TV first so I have some context, then read the book to fill in the blanks that don’t quite make it into the series. His books always include more historical context - which was interesting to read about as I’m not very knowledgeable about that part of the world.
Unfortunately, this is probably my least favourite book that Wood has written. I don’t know why, I just think something was missing. I think his mindset has changed, as quite often in the book he was clear that he wanted to get home, to have the journey over with and ‘settle down’. I completely understand this, and thankfully there were still many points where Wood was learning from his experience and showing his gratuity and passion for travel and learning. I just felt that this journey was less enjoyable to read about.
I suppose this could also be because the setting of a lot of the destinations along the journey are war-torn places with a lot of terrible current affairs - but as always there are people along the way that remind him of the kindness, compassion, love, and humanity that can be found in the most unexpected of places.
‘At the end of the day, there are no good guys or bad guys, people are just people’
Unfortunately, this is probably my least favourite book that Wood has written. I don’t know why, I just think something was missing. I think his mindset has changed, as quite often in the book he was clear that he wanted to get home, to have the journey over with and ‘settle down’. I completely understand this, and thankfully there were still many points where Wood was learning from his experience and showing his gratuity and passion for travel and learning. I just felt that this journey was less enjoyable to read about.
I suppose this could also be because the setting of a lot of the destinations along the journey are war-torn places with a lot of terrible current affairs - but as always there are people along the way that remind him of the kindness, compassion, love, and humanity that can be found in the most unexpected of places.
‘At the end of the day, there are no good guys or bad guys, people are just people’
annetjeberg's review against another edition
4.0
A fast and entertaining read! A lot that I could relate to, due to my short and rather limited expeditions in the Near East region, and from stories from others. Recommended
oisincleere's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
3.0
arsilva's review against another edition
fast-paced
5.0
Fascinating story that I could not put down! I chose this book to learn about cultures other than my own and I learned so much through reading this book!
anneke_b's review against another edition
4.0
A fast and entertaining read! A lot that I could relate to, due to my short and rather limited expeditions in the Near East region, and from stories from others. Recommended
whatwillreads's review
4.0
Fantastic. In each chapter, Levison manages to capture the people, the landscape and culture of each country throughout his journey. Levison provides a real down to earth account of his travels in 'Arabia' - he doesn't romanticise Arabia, but rather details the harsh truths of living in countries ripped apart by war, terrorism and politics. He unapologetically reveals his personal lows that he struggles with during the expedition, such as his loneliness and illness in Somalia, which he admiringly counteracts with his positivity and endurance.
Nevertheless, it is in Levision's encounters with the people of these countries and their stories which prove to be the real gems of this book and of Arabia. To end with one of my favourite quotes within the book: 'There is no such thing as good or bad people. There is only people.'
Nevertheless, it is in Levision's encounters with the people of these countries and their stories which prove to be the real gems of this book and of Arabia. To end with one of my favourite quotes within the book: 'There is no such thing as good or bad people. There is only people.'
cbis's review against another edition
4.0
[Notes for me] Interesting insight and works well in conjunction with the TV series, both containing elements that the other does not. It's all changed since the 70s and 80s ME that I knew.
Knocking off a star for the slightly manufactured sense of jeopardy that arises from the perception that he's travelling alone when in fact it seems that there was often a support team with him.
Knocking off a star for the slightly manufactured sense of jeopardy that arises from the perception that he's travelling alone when in fact it seems that there was often a support team with him.