Misadventure in the Middle East
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"A once-in-a-lifetime journey, full of youthful ebullience and idealism, but self-aware too, and brave." Colin Thubron, author of The Lost Heart of Asia and Behind the Wall
Colin Thubron, author of Shadow of the Silk Road and Behind the Wall Colin Thubron, author of Shadow of the Silk Road and Behind the Wall
"A once-in-a-lifetime journey, full of youthful ebullience and
idealism,
but self-aware and brave too."
idealism,
but self-aware and brave too."
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
On the one hand, the witty and spirited account of a fascinating journey makes for a thoroughly enjoyable read. On the other hand, Hemming succeeds in his real mission: to paint a balanced picture of the Middle East for readers in Europe. Hemming submerges himself in the communities with which he comes into contact and is able to provide a sketch which is free from the distortions of politics and the media in both Europe and the Middle East. We meet the party-loving, young Iranians who don't want to wage war against the world; we witness acts of enormous kindness from the poorest Muslims to Christians; we hear of Iraqis tired of violence. But we also see the other side: we hear the prejudiced beliefs; meet women repressed by their families; we find corrupt officials.
But the overwhelming reminder deposited by Hemming - even if he never states it explicitly - is that of the basic tenet of global humanity: cultures may be coloured by their identities, but essentially they all have similar values and aspirations at their core. A reminder that could not be more timely, and a reminder needed by many who forget to decouple politics from nations.
An excellent first book by a young author with a bright future.
On the one hand, the witty and spirited account of a fascinating journey makes for a thoroughly enjoyable read. On the other hand, Hemming succeeds in his real mission: to paint a balanced picture of the Middle East for readers in Europe. Hemming submerges himself in the communities with which he comes into contact and is able to provide a sketch which is free from the distortions of politics and the media in both Europe and the Middle East. We meet the party-loving, young Iranians who don't want to wage war against the world; we witness acts of enormous kindness from the poorest Muslims to Christians; we hear of Iraqis tired of violence. But we also see the other side: we hear the prejudiced beliefs; meet women repressed by their families; we find corrupt officials.
But the overwhelming reminder deposited by Hemming - even if he never states it explicitly - is that of the basic tenet of global humanity: cultures may be coloured by their identities, but essentially they all have similar values and aspirations at their core. A reminder that could not be more timely, and a reminder needed by many who forget to decouple politics from nations.
An excellent first book by a young author with a bright future.
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is a brilliant brilliant book and not like any other travel book I've read - especially ones about the middle east. First it is hugely funny and often in unexpected places - it's rare to read a serious book like this and laugh out loud. Second, and perhaps more importantly, the author does not stand back and write about the characters and places he meets in a cold detached way. Rather he acknowledges his place in it all -his idealism, his assumptions, his changing attitude - which makes the journey feel fleshy and real throughout. It's also the fastest I've ever read a book as it is genuinely nailbiting - the wizard-of-oz-like quest to get to Baghdad gives the book a constant forward moving thrust and is difficult to put down. But what stayed with me the most after reading the book were those small moments he paints so well - perhaps because of his work as a painter - the vivid detail of each scene, the smell, the colours - descriptions that have stayed with me long after I finished reading it. An exceptional book.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This was a very easy and enjoyable book to read. Hemming had a good idea in this book, and was very fortunate to be presented with such great opportunities, which he's documented in a very amusing and engaging way.
He covered some great countries, of which there is little contemporary travel writing. I'm not quite sure whether the art theme was an after thought to give the story some purpose, but it worked well. Clearly the story isn't about being an artist; it's about travelling around the middle east while the Iraq war looms. All the interesting bits derive from that.
Hemming is clearly well connected, which in fairness he doesn't try to hide. Not too many modern travel writers dine with princes and get travel advice from UK ambassadors.
Great book - thoroughly recommended.
He covered some great countries, of which there is little contemporary travel writing. I'm not quite sure whether the art theme was an after thought to give the story some purpose, but it worked well. Clearly the story isn't about being an artist; it's about travelling around the middle east while the Iraq war looms. All the interesting bits derive from that.
Hemming is clearly well connected, which in fairness he doesn't try to hide. Not too many modern travel writers dine with princes and get travel advice from UK ambassadors.
Great book - thoroughly recommended.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Best book I've read for a long time
It's heartwarmingly funny, very entertaining, provocative, informed and still highly relevant. It encapsulates the region with all its diversities, showing people for who they are. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Goose
Inspiring Travel Guide to the Middle East
This book was as captivating as the title. While the author's primary profession is art, he is not a bad writer either. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Jenny Sutton
Hemming's Way
Reading "Misadventures" was like savouring a really good meal with old friends - at times emotional, at times funny, always interesting. Read more
Published 23 months ago by A. Dodds
A different insight to the Middle East
I found this book very entertaining and it gave a very different angle on the life and recent events in the Middle East region. Read more
Published on 23 Jan 2010 by Ihu
Masha'allah
A one-off piece of travel writing. Brilliantly told. I liked it like I like the finest russian beluga and the finest italian ice cream. Bursting with sentiment, capers, and wasta. Read more
Published on 12 Jun 2007 by Mr. A. J. Braithwaite
An enlightening pleasure to read
Henry Hemming's style makes this book a pleasure to read.
His mixture of clear, evocative descriptions of the people and places he encounters, their reactions to him and... Read more
His mixture of clear, evocative descriptions of the people and places he encounters, their reactions to him and... Read more
Published on 23 April 2007 by Nicholas Service
Misadventure
I was utterly engaged and entertained by Misadventure - it's excellently written, genuine and funny. Read more
Published on 30 Mar 2007 by S. Merriman
Unseen Middle East
I'd heard about this art-making journey through the Mid East a while ago, but didn't know that any of the people involved had written a book about it. Read more
Published on 8 Mar 2007 by m_sassen
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