Reviews

Video Night in Kathmandu and Other Reports from the Not-So-Far East by Robin Desser, Pico Iyer

weetziebot's review against another edition

3.0

As much as I wanted to enjoy this book unfettered by all of the baggage that comes with writings about "the East" - or more generally travel writing I just couldn't.

I need to revisit this review and explain myself a little more thoroughly.

ewynn610's review against another edition

1

wolvereader's review

4.0

A somewhat dated travelogue of Asia, that examines the effects of Westernization on the East. The author's time in Asia happened in the mid 80s, with the latest visit being 1987. Obviously, Asia has changed immeasurably since then, and his descriptions of a Beijing full of bicycles, the Philippines under the Marcos regime, or Bollywood movies where the women are all plump, give the book a quaint "snapshot" feel. That said, much of Iyer's observations about some of the deeper cultural phenomena still ring true. Especially when describing the poverty and hope of Thailand, the Philippines, India, or Indonesia, Iyer's experiences aren't particularly different from what one faces today.

Well written and an entertaining read for anyone interested in travel and culture in Asia.