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notthatcosta's review against another edition
informative
fast-paced
3.75
A succinct, well-written and refreshingly unbiased account of a conflict that has defined my community in the eyes of international onlookers for the past 40 years. As a 'Greek Cypriot', I appreciate James Ker-Lindsay inclusion of Turkish Cypriot voices and perspectives on the conflict and subsequent reunification talks.
Although the author is not Cypriot himself, he has committed his academic career to understanding the nuances of the conflict, and yet does not carry ingrained biases of domestic academics. As a result, this books serves as a perfect introduction for anyone looking to learn about the conflict.
Although the author is not Cypriot himself, he has committed his academic career to understanding the nuances of the conflict, and yet does not carry ingrained biases of domestic academics. As a result, this books serves as a perfect introduction for anyone looking to learn about the conflict.
chris_w's review against another edition
4.0
A clear and concise book about the problems is Cyprus, including the history of the island, information about all the major players in the 20th century and (from this point of view) a balanced Q&A from both sides of the issue.
unapologetic_bibliosmia's review against another edition
4.0
As a British lady currently living and working in the British government within the Sovereign Base Areas of Cyprus, this book is an absolute must read. It is fascinating and enlightening to read and learn about the 1974 event and all the historical and political tensions and difficulties leading up to the event. A really well thought out, and easy to understand breif overview of the political and cultural turmoil that has resulted in the divide within Cyprus today. This book manages to write from a very neutral perspective which is a great accomplishment, and indeed the writer highlights his efforts and desicions to use apolitical and sensitive language. I found it really easy to read, this book and other books of this nature quite often are very heavy and tough to read, but I found it easy to just sail through this book with ease. I feel like I have learned so much in just one afternoon from a very well considered and well thought out perspective which encompasses views of all sides. I have understood so much more about the Treaty of Establishment and its creation that I work under and live under here. It's fascinating to think about what Cyprus may be like now if the main airport in Nicosia and main port in Famagusta were still open and operating. The writer explores lots of possibilities for solution and how and why these would work or not work for each side, as well as documenting the efforts made by both sides in resolving th 'Cyprus Problem'. My only criticisms of the book are that there is a distinct lack of discussion around the British involvement in the island,including the Greek-Cypriot views of the Sovereign Base Areas, and the presence of the British Army contingent on the island today. Also ignored are the views of the British army and their political preferences to how the Cyprus Problem is resolved as there are definitely factors at play here. Britain is not as dormant in this discussion as perhaps they are played out to be in this book. There is also a lack of discussion over the EOKA efforts which impacted discussions on all sides. Also slightly misrepresented are the views and interests of both Russia and China and the political sway and investment power they have within the RoC. It would be worth readers today bearing in mind the current move away from EU membership that Turkey has endured and how that would affect current interests. A fantastic read, I will be recommending to everyone who lives and works here.
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