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cydelafield's review
5.0
Loved this travel book. Reporter going around the middle east in the Reagan/Bush era - a little dated, obvs, but still really interesting and very funny.
juliechristinejohnson's review against another edition
4.0
This was written during the two years that Tony trailed his wife, journalist and writer Geraldine Brooks, to her various posts in the MIddle East, 1988-1990. Given that these vignettes are 20 years old, the book might seem anachronistic and nostalgic, but Horwitz's observations remain relevant. It's hard to find places where much has changed since his travels: Khartoum is still a dangerous wasteland, Cairo is still chaotic, Beirut remains beautiful but ravaged, Israelis locked seemingly forver in battle with Palestinians. Baghdad has seen the greatest upheaval- two wars- one still underway- and Hussein is long gone- but I wonder if Horwitz would deign the changes as improvements.
It's a great read; Horwitz's humor is not out of place- it is self-deprecating, patient, occasionally dark and he knows when to lay it aside. He maintains the wonder, the respect and the sense of adventure and resigned weariness that separates the traveler from the tourist.
It's a great read; Horwitz's humor is not out of place- it is self-deprecating, patient, occasionally dark and he knows when to lay it aside. He maintains the wonder, the respect and the sense of adventure and resigned weariness that separates the traveler from the tourist.
canadianbookworm's review against another edition
5.0
http://cdnbookworm.blogspot.ca/2016/06/bagdad-without-map.html
debnanceatreaderbuzz's review against another edition
4.0
Educational trip through the Middle East. Love this author!
jenfaze's review against another edition
4.0
This is more a collection of stories than Horowitz's other books, which follow a clear thesis. His adventures in the Middle East form a vague picture of a very different world. Very good read.
aje9065a's review against another edition
2.0
The writing isn't really grabbing me--but I have pretty high standards for travel writing.
Once you accept the tone (what other reviews rightly call 'flat')it can be an enjoyable book.
Once you accept the tone (what other reviews rightly call 'flat')it can be an enjoyable book.
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