false 0 0 false false Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2008 Sat Jan 03 15:18:42 -0800 2009 Sat Jan 03 15:18:56 -0800 2009 "The theme of the West's (and journalism's) distanced overflight of the rest of the world is an arresting one, richly written and cleverly developed. But like a Strasbourg goose force-fed for its liver, the organic growth and movement a novel requires are forced into distortion and bloat. What the characters stand for is interesting, but often they hardly stand at all. They are stood; they are moved about.' Richard Eder

'We Are Now Beginning Our Descent", when most of us hear these words, we are relieved, we are reaching our destination. However, these words written by James Meek have a totally different connotation. In the context of this novel, America, full of its own power is losing altitude and coming to face the power and anger of the third world. James Meek has the ability in his precise and so thoughtfully written prose, to put us in our place with many reminders of where we have been and how silly and frightening the lies and power of the United States have become. It seems most every other country has faced these idols. Now, James Meek tells us we must face ours.

Adam Kellas is an English journalist who portrays the guilt of the West in his behaviors. He has his entire life, done whatever he wanted, when he wanted, with no thought of anyone else. Relationships come and go, friendships are sometimes built of straw, and his career is as aimless as his thoughts. He is offered a job in Afghanistan to report on the war. At first, he says no, but then realizes he does not want to be thought of as a coward. His last relationship has ended, he is at loose ends. He hops a plane and in a matter of hours is in Afghanistan, joining other journalists. All of them intelligent and talented, but many without any goal but to be the first reporting the War. It is in this context that Adam meets Astrid Walsh. Astrid an American, thin but attractive. She carries a gun, which is unusual for a journalist. Guns portray taking a side, but Astrid says she needs to protect her self from unwanted advances from the many men who surround her. Soon they fall into a liaison. A memorable event occurs and Astrid up and leaves. Adam cannot find her, and in his misery he gives up his assignment in Afghanistan to go home and write a novel that will make him rich. In this sense Adam reaches his pinnacle and his downfall.

This story is told in flashbacks and in present tense, but is told in such a manner that we are able to appreciate the story within. James Meek has the talent to hold our attention when all seems to fall apart. The observations that James Meek makes held me spellbound. His development of the characters was superb. We all have our selves that we present to the public, and then we have our selves that are true, the troubles and inner secrets we all share. Kudos to James Meek.

Highly Recommended. prisrob 08-11-08
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