Stewart walked across the middle of Afghanistan in 2002, over snow-covered mountains and desert, relying on letters of introduction to persuade poor and suspicious villagers to provide him with shelter and maybe a piece of naan bread. The distinct tribal areas he crossed are often involved in ancient vendettas and are now the focus of ill-conceived reforms from the West. A fascinating portrait of a country in continual change, thoughtful and very entertaining.
(Victoria Grey-Edwards - bwl 47 September 2008 ) |
