The Middle East is an area of the world that has played such an important part in recent global events but about which I feel I have insufficient knowledge. Reading the opening chapters, I feel Emma Sky may be the perfect person to help me address that lack of knowledge. I was impressed by the clear, lucid way she described recent events and the complexities of the various forces in play. If there's ever a chance of me understanding things a little bit better, I think it may be by reading this book. I also loved the sense you get of her passion for travel, for new experiences and for talking to ordinary people.