Night Draws Near
Iraq's People in the Shadow of America's War
by Anthony Shadid
Night Draws Near
is Anthony Shadid's account of the war in Iraq, its prologue and
its aftermath. The author is an Arab-speaking American of Lebanese
descent whose professional life has been spent as an ex-pat reporter
covering the Arab Middle East, leaving him unusually able to understand
both the American and Arab perspectives. His version of events is
based in the too rarely heard words and stories of the common Iraqi
people. Among other things, this provides connections that make
it easier to grasp the points being made. There's a huge difference
between seeing generalities about post-war disruption and listening
to someone bemoaning months in a hot climate without enough electricity
to just get a cool drink. While it becomes easier to understand
that resentment of the American occupation is not just about radical
ideology when someone else wonders why a superpower can't fly in
a few generators along with all those tanks. With all of the voices
reflecting Iraq's unique culture, based not just in the Moslem religion,
but also in a long history that includes memories of true glory
and echoes of broken promises from others claiming to be liberators.
Whether or not you agree with the U.S. invasion and occupation,
it's hard not to believe while reading how much difference even
slightly better understanding between Iraqis and Americans might
have made. Much of the story is grim, but Mr. Shadid closes on a
positive note with the January 2005 elections. Iraq has multiple
possible futures, none of them sure, but the elections celebrate
Iraqi people for once taking charge for themselves rather than having
their fate imposed by others.
This is the best book I've read this year. America's
actions in Iraq will define her role in world affairs for years
to come and this gives a needed sense of what they mean to Iraqis.
The writing and stories are as compelling as they are informative.
And hearing it as an audio book -literally in the author's own voice-
made it even more compelling and personal, more like a discussion
than pages of dry reading. Anthony Shadid never dramatizes for cheap
effect, but there is clear passion behind every word. He cares about
what he is telling you, forcing you to care along with him. Very
highly recommended, as all the people I've been urging to read it
can attest to. |
The Book |
Audio Renaissance |
September 7, 2005 |
Audio CD - Abridged edition (6 CDs 7hrs) |
1593977883 |
Non-Fiction History/Current events |
More
at Amazon.com |
Excerpt |
NOTE: ( Some violence) Anthony Shadid won a 2004 Pulitzer Prize for his reporting on
Iraq. There is an interesting short interview with the author on the Amazon page. |
The Reviewer |
Kim Malo |
Reviewed 2005 |
NOTE: |
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