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dpkb 's review for:
The Places in Between
by Rory Stewart
I first read this book last February, giving it a generous two stars. At the time, Rory's intentions eluded me. I couldn't grasp why anyone would travel the breadth of Afghanistan on foot. He troubled so many people for lodging, food, guidance, only to document their poor hospitality and hygiene. I sped through the book and tucked it away in my bookshelf thinking ‘What was the point of that?’
Having followed Rory's political career since then, I decided to revisit the book with less judgemental eyes. I was prepared to get the same sense of privilege and pomp that initially put me off the first time reading it. What a difference a second reading made - maybe it was time passing, or a deeper interest in Asian history, but this time the journey, and the insights he gave into modern Afghanistan captivated me.
Rory was retracing the steps of Babur, the first Mughal emperor, from Afghanistan's westernmost city, Herat, to its capital in the east, Kabul. The kicker, while Babur had an army and horses, Rory had only walking boots and sunglasses.
I won’t spoil anything for those who haven’t yet read it, but Rory skilfully relays Afghanistan's diversity through the people and cultures he encountered, weaving in explanations of the country's rich history and giving reasons for its current state. This isn't a cheerful tale; it reveals the true Afghanistan—its people, wars, and destruction. Yet it does so respectfully. Highly recommend giving this a read.
Having followed Rory's political career since then, I decided to revisit the book with less judgemental eyes. I was prepared to get the same sense of privilege and pomp that initially put me off the first time reading it. What a difference a second reading made - maybe it was time passing, or a deeper interest in Asian history, but this time the journey, and the insights he gave into modern Afghanistan captivated me.
Rory was retracing the steps of Babur, the first Mughal emperor, from Afghanistan's westernmost city, Herat, to its capital in the east, Kabul. The kicker, while Babur had an army and horses, Rory had only walking boots and sunglasses.
I won’t spoil anything for those who haven’t yet read it, but Rory skilfully relays Afghanistan's diversity through the people and cultures he encountered, weaving in explanations of the country's rich history and giving reasons for its current state. This isn't a cheerful tale; it reveals the true Afghanistan—its people, wars, and destruction. Yet it does so respectfully. Highly recommend giving this a read.