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A review by ihashem
The Marsh Arabs by Wilfred Thesiger
adventurous
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
It's unfortunate that we have to read about the marsh Arab's through the eyes of an Etonian Oxford graduate who looked upon these people as "primitive and savages" that he was discovering and exploring. When it is clearly evident from Thesiger's writing that he was fascinated and came to escape the spread of European ideals across the world. The irony! But alas this is better than nothing; at least someone was able to document their lives.
What's quite striking is Theisger's own interpretation of traditions and customs, meaning it's not entirely accurate. But obviously reading this I must appreciate that Thesiger had his own interpretation and views regarding the historical facts he was told etc. But I wouldn't have questioned them had I not known better. Which does inherently make me wonder what I know and believe about other cultures and groups; based on western view point.
The main thing Thesiger's has is the ability to romantically describe the people he met and their history which is poetically beautiful!
What's quite striking is Theisger's own interpretation of traditions and customs, meaning it's not entirely accurate. But obviously reading this I must appreciate that Thesiger had his own interpretation and views regarding the historical facts he was told etc. But I wouldn't have questioned them had I not known better. Which does inherently make me wonder what I know and believe about other cultures and groups; based on western view point.
The main thing Thesiger's has is the ability to romantically describe the people he met and their history which is poetically beautiful!