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A review by tonyfrobisher
The Slow Road to Tehran: A Revelatory Bike Ride through Europe and the Middle East by Rebecca Lowe
5.0
Demystifying the Middle East, one pedal turn at a time
The Slow Road to Tehran is a book that encapsulates the very best of travel writing. A book that resonates with place and people, combined with the challenge of an ambitious solo exploration of a huge region, The Middle East, 11,0000km over a year by bicycle. Add to the mix an impartial and excellent exposition of the political, geopolitical, social and cultural problems and contradictions of this hugely significant global area, as well as an appreciation of how the historical context has shaped each country (not least the colonial ambitions and meddling of Britain, America et al) and The Slow Road to Tehran is entertaining and informative. The book has a perfect balance of the journey itself, the landscapes, climatic conditions and challenges of cycling alone in challenging terrain, as well as myriad human interactions, well researched historical context, and a treatise on the state society and government.
Rebecca Lowe writes with honesty and humour, clarity and insight, capturing the humanity and kindness inherent in the overwhelming majority of people she meets. The generosity of spirit, the compassion of strangers to help unbidden. But she does not shy away from the uglier side of humanity. The oppressive, suspicious regimes, the misogynistic attitudes that prevail, the unwelcome sexual overtones and unwelcome attention that she encounters being a lone woman cycling through a resolutely male dominated region.
This is not a superficial examination. There is bravery and tenacity in the places she visits, and the people she spends time with, from marginalised communities, activists and those seeking political change - always at risk of state persecution.
I travelled through Iran in 1996, as well as Turkey and have visited Egypt and the UAE also. Rebecca Lowe ignited my memories of these beautiful countries. Faith pervades all aspects of Middle Eastern societies, and is apparent throughout the book. Yet Islam, is only part of what defines the region. It is a complex, challenging, changing and diverse area of the world. Confusing and frustrating, but rewarding and satisfying.
In conclusion, after reading this superb book, I feel The Middle East has been a little demystified and I am grateful to Rebecca Lowe (and Maud) for that.
The Slow Road to Tehran is a book that encapsulates the very best of travel writing. A book that resonates with place and people, combined with the challenge of an ambitious solo exploration of a huge region, The Middle East, 11,0000km over a year by bicycle. Add to the mix an impartial and excellent exposition of the political, geopolitical, social and cultural problems and contradictions of this hugely significant global area, as well as an appreciation of how the historical context has shaped each country (not least the colonial ambitions and meddling of Britain, America et al) and The Slow Road to Tehran is entertaining and informative. The book has a perfect balance of the journey itself, the landscapes, climatic conditions and challenges of cycling alone in challenging terrain, as well as myriad human interactions, well researched historical context, and a treatise on the state society and government.
Rebecca Lowe writes with honesty and humour, clarity and insight, capturing the humanity and kindness inherent in the overwhelming majority of people she meets. The generosity of spirit, the compassion of strangers to help unbidden. But she does not shy away from the uglier side of humanity. The oppressive, suspicious regimes, the misogynistic attitudes that prevail, the unwelcome sexual overtones and unwelcome attention that she encounters being a lone woman cycling through a resolutely male dominated region.
This is not a superficial examination. There is bravery and tenacity in the places she visits, and the people she spends time with, from marginalised communities, activists and those seeking political change - always at risk of state persecution.
I travelled through Iran in 1996, as well as Turkey and have visited Egypt and the UAE also. Rebecca Lowe ignited my memories of these beautiful countries. Faith pervades all aspects of Middle Eastern societies, and is apparent throughout the book. Yet Islam, is only part of what defines the region. It is a complex, challenging, changing and diverse area of the world. Confusing and frustrating, but rewarding and satisfying.
In conclusion, after reading this superb book, I feel The Middle East has been a little demystified and I am grateful to Rebecca Lowe (and Maud) for that.