Readers recommend 'Short Breaks in Mordor'

Alas, I cannot arrange to have my new book ‘Short Breaks in Mordor’ insulted and traduced in the left-wing press by people who have not read it. They do not do favours such as these to mere e-books. Thus an important part of Britain’s cultural calendar is missing this year.

 

But I can reproduce the unsolicited reviews (none of them by me, or by relatives or otherwise compromised allies of mine) which it has received on Amazon.

 

There are six so far on Amazon.co.uk, some pseudonymous,  some under real names:

‘A nice work to dive into in bite sized pieces for a quick dose of mind expansion. The analysis of the speed, breadth and power of the development of Shanghai was particularly frightening’.

*

‘I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was fascinating to read original, well-written accounts of such interesting countries. I also felt that I learned a lot from reading it. My only complaints are that I would have liked to have been able to read a physical copy and it also gave me serious wander lust...’

*

‘This is a wonderful collection of articles. Hitchens's writing is clear and lucid, and the articles are both interesting and informative.’

*

‘Captivating and evocative. A pleasure to read such eloquent, insightful prose. Makes one want to dust off the passport and start travelling again.’

*

‘Peter Hitchens is one of the most intelligent and readable commentators currently writing. Other journalists parrot the received view; his independence of mind and clear-sighted approach to politics and culture are refreshing. He is sceptical but never cynical; sees the problems of the present without wallowing in nostalgia for the past; and is frequently proved correct in his predictions about the future.

This book is a collection of his travel writing, though if that phrase conjures visions of Bill Bryson or Paul Theroux, forget it: Mr Hitchens is interested more in the intersection of totalitarian government and the people who have to endure it. He has also been a working journalist all his professional life, and the essays in this book were mainly written for newspapers of magazines: it's fascinating to compare two pieces on the same place designed for different outlets.

I can't recommend this book highly enough: it's an engrossing read, and a book which turns many of one's preconceptions (though by no means all) upside down.’

*

‘This a fine collection of writing from the most misunderstood and wilfully misrepresented journalist in Britain. Peter Hitchens offers a captivating insight into some of the most curious, interesting and dangerous locations in the world. He really makes you think and feel as if you are broadening your horizons simply by sharing his intriguing perspective on the places he has visited, the people he has met and the things he has seen. I highly recommend this, from North Korea, to Burma, India and Iran, this is a though provoking collection of travel writing that had me turn the pages late into the night.’

 

And one on Amazon.com

 

‘Terrific writing as usual from Mr Hitchens, as well as fascinating insights into some of the world's most frightening and intriguing countries. Mr Hitchens spent time in Iraq shortly after the ill-fated invasion by the West; has bowed to the statue of the Great Leader in North Korea; seen the horror of the mines in the Congo; and enjoyed the surprisingly cosmopolitan atmosphere of Iran.

I particularly liked his entries about Iran. Iran is so demonised by the West - the only time Iran is covered in an Australian paper, for example, is in a story about Islamic extremism, nuclear weapons, Israel etc etc. Hitchens provides a more well rounded depiction of ordinary Iranians, who are far more liberal and cultured than popular representations suggest.

I read this in a single sitting - that's how interesting it was. I'm not always a fan of Mr Hitchens' political views but he is a fine writer. This is some of the best material I've read of his so far.’

 

All, so far, give it five stars. 

You can see the Amazon displays at

 

http://amzn.to/1lCF9OM (UK)

 

 

and

 

 

http://amzn.to/T6wyZJ (USA)