Title: The Places in Between
Author: Rory Stewart
First published January 1, 2004
299 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780156031561 (ISBN10: 0156031566)
Rating: 3.94
Overview
In The Places in Between, Rory Stewart takes readers on a journey through Afghanistan in the early 2000s. Armed with only his wit and knowledge of the country’s customs, he treks through snow-covered mountains and war-torn villages.
Along the way, he meets a cast of characters, from tribal elders to teenage soldiers, and even finds an unexpected companion in a retired fighting mastiff. Through his encounters, Stewart paints a vivid picture of life in Afghanistan and the myriad of cultural and political forces at play.
With humor and insight, The Places in Between offers a unique perspective on a complex and fascinating country.
About the Author
Rory Stewart has had an interesting life and career. He was born in Hong Kong and grew up in Malaysia.
After serving briefly in the British Army with the Black Watch, he studied history and philosophy at Balliol College, Oxford. He then joined the British Diplomatic Service and worked in the British Embassy in Indonesia.
Following the Kosovo campaign, he became the British Representative in Montenegro.
In 2000, Stewart took a break from his career and embarked on a solo journey on foot from Turkey to Bangladesh, covering 6000 miles across Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Nepal. His journey was later documented in a book.
Stewart’s career continued with his appointment as the coalition Deputy Governor of Maysan and Dhi Qar in Southern Iraq in 2003. He has written for various publications such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and The London Review of Books.
He was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 2004 and became a Fellow of the Carr Centre at Harvard University.
In 2010, Stewart was elected as a Conservative member of the British Parliament. He served as the chair of the Defence Select Committee and as a minister under David Cameron and Theresa May’s governments.
He ultimately became Secretary of State for International Development in May’s cabinet. In 2019, Stewart stood as a candidate for the Conservative Party leadership and ran an unconventional campaign using social media.
However, he resigned from the cabinet when Boris Johnson became prime minister.
Stewart later announced his resignation from the Conservative Party and that he would not seek re-election as an MP. He initially planned to run as an independent candidate in the 2021 London mayoral election but withdrew due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In September 2020, he became a fellow at Yale University, where he teaches politics and international relations.
Editoral Review
Rory Stewart’s The Places in Between is a thrilling and enlightening literary masterpiece that belongs to the travel literature genre. First published on January 1, 2004, this book has won the hearts of millions of readers globally, and it remains one of the most celebrated works of Stewart’s career.
The Places in Between is inspired by the author’s own adventures, making it an authentic and intimate account of travel through Central Asia. Stewart is an academic, writer, and British politician who became famous for walking across Afghanistan in 2002.
In The Places in Between, he documents his journey of walking across the remote areas of Afghanistan, including the infamous Hazarajat region, one of the least explored and volatile places on earth. The book aims to show the world a different perspective of the Afghanistan war rather than the media’s distorted one.
Through the accounts of the author’s travels, readers are exposed to the harsh realities that people experience in these remote parts of Afghanistan. The book’s central theme revolves around exploring the beauty of cultural diversity, historical significance, and social complexities found in Afghanistan.
Stewart uses his journey as an opportunity to highlight the various cultural norms, traditions, and people he encountered along the way. The author’s vivid descriptions of the different landscapes, from the desolate deserts to snow-capped mountains, paint a picture of Afghanistan’s beauty, illuminating a side of the country that few have written about.
At its heart, The Places in Between is a coming-of-age story. Stewart sets out on this journey alone, and through his courage, resilience, and adaptability, he grows as a person.
The author’s experiences of walking through treacherous terrain, enduring excruciating physical pain, and confronting local militants change his perspective of himself and the world. The book shows readers how much humanity can accomplish when our biases and prejudices are stripped away.
The Places in Between’s greatest strength lies in Stewart’s writing style. The author’s ability to balance the beauty of the country with the horrors of war and violence is simply remarkable.
His prose captures the essence of Afghanistan’s culture and history, making readers feel like they were right there with him. Additionally, the author also provides a great depth of knowledge regarding the political intricacies of the region, making the book a valuable source of information for historians and political analysts interested in the region.
However, despite its strengths, the book is not without its flaws. One of the areas where it falls short is with the development of secondary characters.
Readers may find themselves wanting more information on the interesting people that Stewart meets along the way, who may prove to be pivotal to the story. Additionally, some parts of the book move at a slower pace, which may not sit well with readers looking for a more action-packed travel adventure.
Overall, The Places in Between is a unique and memorable read. The book’s compelling themes and vivid imagery make it an excellent addition to any travel literature enthusiast’s bookshelf.
The book’s message of peace, unity, and tolerance is more important now than ever, making it an ideal read for anyone looking to broaden their understanding of Afghanistan’s culture and history. On a scale of 1-5, The Washington Post gives The Places in Between a well-deserved four stars.
