Hugh reviewed Crescent and Star by Stephen Kinzer
Review of 'Crescent and Star' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
I've been very impressed by everything by Kinzer that I've read, yet this book was somehow the one I objected to the most. Admittedly I view much of his political writing from a differing position so I'm in no way surprised that a heavily personal book didn't quite gel with me. But therein lies one of my favourite things about the book - Kinzer unashamedly injects personal experience, opinion and personality throughout the book and so I found that the italicised portions gave the following chapters incredible richness. I usually find Kinzer's style incredibly satisfying to read at the worst of times and this book's tone and level of personal engagement gives vibrancy to his otherwise usually somewhat detached prose.
Highlights: his interviews with ordinary Turks of polar opposite opinions, his interviews with Kurds and account of travelling in remote Kurdish areas.
Weak points: his occasionally patronising attitude when it …
I've been very impressed by everything by Kinzer that I've read, yet this book was somehow the one I objected to the most. Admittedly I view much of his political writing from a differing position so I'm in no way surprised that a heavily personal book didn't quite gel with me. But therein lies one of my favourite things about the book - Kinzer unashamedly injects personal experience, opinion and personality throughout the book and so I found that the italicised portions gave the following chapters incredible richness. I usually find Kinzer's style incredibly satisfying to read at the worst of times and this book's tone and level of personal engagement gives vibrancy to his otherwise usually somewhat detached prose.
Highlights: his interviews with ordinary Turks of polar opposite opinions, his interviews with Kurds and account of travelling in remote Kurdish areas.
Weak points: his occasionally patronising attitude when it comes to solutions for the Kurdish and Armenian problems, his somewhat wavering position on the European Union as regards Turkey (I am no fan but even I think his invective is a little misplaced)