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A review by juliechristinejohnson
Baghdad Without a Map and Other Misadventures in Arabia by Tony Horwitz
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.