Some Far and Distant Place

by Jonathan S. Addleton

Born in Pakistan to Baptist missionaries from rural Georgia, Jonathan S. Addleton crossed the borders of race, culture, class, and religion from an early age. Some Far and Distant Place combines family history, social observation, current events, and deeply personal commentary to tell an unusual coming-of-age story that has as much to do with the intersection of cultures as it does with one man's life.

Whether sharing ice cream with a young Benazir Bhutto or selling gospel tracts at the tomb of a Sufi saint, Addleton provides insightful and sometimes hilarious glimpses into the Muslim-Christian encounter through the eyes of a young child. His narrative is rooted in many unlikely sources, including a southern storytelling tradition, Urdu ghazal, revivalist hymnology, and the Anglican Book of Common Prayer . The natural beauty of the Himalayas also leaves a strong and lasting mark, providing solidity in a confusing world that on occasion seems about to tilt out of control.

This clear-eyed, insightful memoir describes an experience that will become increasingly more common as cultures that once seemed remote and distant are no longer confined within the bounds of a single nation-state.

232 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1977

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating insights about the life of an American child who grew up in Pakistan. Addleton, the son of missionaries, spent most of his first 18 years in Pakistan (broken up by 3 furlough years back in the United States).

He does a particularly good job of describing the rootlessness of being American but growing up in a different culture. Apparently, this was good preparation for becoming a diplomat.

[Wes Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir is skillfully written. Dr. Addleton takes readers on a fascinating trip through the mission fields of Pakistan. There is humor, insightful cultural commentary, and a wealth of first-hand memories to carry readers along. I highly recommend this book.

[Sahib Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An experience of living among strangers. His father has done a great service to the people of Pakistan.

[Jim Dressner · Rating 3 out of 5]

With a good eye (and pen) for detail and an ability to arrange his musings in an interesting ramble, the author describes his experiences of growing up in Pakistan with occasional visits back to the US. Many things brought forth a chuckle or a strong memory.

This book has ready appeal to anyone who has lived as an expatriate in the Indian subcontinent, or grew up overseas in a missionary family. Others may enjoy this as well, but the appeal is less obvious.