The Places In Between by Rory Stewart Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Places In Between
Book Review: Afganistan a constant history for the past 3000 years
Summary: 5 Stars
While I can't begin to understand the motivation that drove Rory Stewart to walk across Afganistan just after the ouster of the Taliban, his portrait of village life and the local people present a modern version of life that has changed little since the time of Alexander The Great. It would be beneficial if every member of our current US government could read this book and then share his or her copy with a member of the current NATO and US military forces now committed to the modern anachronism that we call Afganistan.Book Review: Afghan Culture
Summary: 4 Stars
This book provides a great opportunity to learn about a culture from someone who literally emersed themselves in it. Provides a much more accurate and thorough description than what we see and read in the news. Very interesting book. Mr Stewart is a true thrill seeker to take on such an adventure. Better him than me.Book Review: Afghanistan story
Summary: 4 Stars
Getting on a plane a couple of weeks after 9/11 seemed like tough guy stuff until I read this book on the recommendation of an amateur ethnographer friend who had served in the US Military. It is a very fast read. A journey across the middle of Afghanistan two weeks after the Taliban fell from power. A study in both compassion and cruelty. This is the text one needs to balance the television journalism. After this you move on to his next work - "The Prince of the Marshes."Book Review: An Amazing Journey
Summary: 5 Stars
Rory Stewart is a cool customer. He plows through chest-deep snow, faces semi-psychotic, gun-toting goons, and is told outright "you will die." Although he may have actually yelled, cried, and prayed fervently during this Kafka-esque series of events, he reports on his historic trek with the aplomb of James Bond ordering a martini while dodging bullets.
Personally, I believe his surprising sangfroid in the face of danger is not exaggerated to impress the reader. Stewart also earns respect for his expert knowledge of early architecture. He rather obtrusively weaves the historic accounts of Babur's original travels through the text, but the canine, v. royal Babur portions of the narrative add color and interest to the tale.
It's unsettling to read a book in which an entire gender is missing, but despite traveling hundreds of miles through many villages, the women are sequestered.
I spent a fair amount of time mulling over the courage/stupidity equation (if he has a family, I can't imagine their worry), but am grateful that we have someone to witness and chronicle this important place and time with clarity, pragmatism, and ultimately, compassion. (Although it's at least a little ironic that we congratulate those of us who travel through these regions, never mind the people who are actually trying to survive there.)
Thanks to Stewart, we have a much richer view of a complicated land and diverse people. May he survive to tell more tales.
Book Review: An Amazing Journey
Summary: 5 Stars
It is difficult to comprehend Rory Stewart's walk across Afghanistan. He describes the cultural differences and isolation between the various tribes he encountered. He also coped with extremes of weather and temperture during his winter hike. The book is very readable and informative.