An engaging memoir of seven years spent in the Middle East. As a
child, Theroux was attracted to the area by such Hollywood epics as
The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad and Samson and Delilah. What he found
during his stay as a reporter in Saudi Arabia was somewhat less
romantic, but no less exotic. Starting his Middle Eastern sojourn
as a graduate student of Arabic at the American Univ. in Cairo, the
author soon found himself working for a newspaper in Saudi Arabia.
There, he was thrown into contact not only with colorful Saudis but
also with members of the American diplomatic and business
community. He hints at various scandals within the Saudi royal
family, examines the ambiguities and contradictions to be found
within Saudi society, and comments on the effects of petrodollars
on the economy. With lively wit and a sharp eye for personal
idiosyncracies, Theroux draws memorable portraits of such figures
as Faisal, a procurer who, during a particularly unrestrained
conversation ("You think Khomeini is fuck?"), fingers his prayer
beads. Then there is Libby, a gorgon of an embassy wife who sells
tourist trinkets ("for no discernible charitable purpose") to
intimidated junior staff members. The book concludes with Theroux
abandoning journalism and traveling to various cities, including
Jerusalem and Damascus, exploring (for a book later published in
England as The Strange Disappearance of Imam Moussa Sadr) the
possible fate of Moussa Sadr, who vanished in Libya while on a
mission for Iran. The author's respect and affection for the Arab
world are apparent throughout; especially interesting in this
regard is his scathing denunciation of Leon Uris' 1984 novel, The
Haj. In sum: a lively, sometimes controversial, always intriguing
personal reminiscence. (Kirkus Reviews)
"[A] stunningly candid portrait of culture and politics in the Middle East." —Los Angeles Times Book Review In this provocative and incisive memoir, Peter Theroux reveals the Middle East only as a true insider can. Stationed as a journalist in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for most of his seven years in the region, Theroux explodes the romantic images of Arabia, but replaces them with the even more intriguing reality of fanatic religious men, overwhelmingly rich and powerful royal families, and the vast gulf in understanding between Arabs and Westerners.
"Theroux's fascination with and deep knowledge of the Arab world is plainly evident, but the charm of Sandstorms is his ability to tell a tale. Current events in the Middle East make it an even more compelling read at the moment." —Los Angles Times
"Theroux scorns the cliches about Arabia. His reporting is accurate and enriched by a strong sense of irony." —Washington Post Book World
"Sandstorms is a wonderful book, written with humor, verve, and sensitivity. It is alive with the images and voices of a mysterious land Theroux came to understand well." —David Lamb, author of The Arabs
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