Robert Shaffer

First of all it is in my honest opinion that this book is a possible memoir although Overcat claims that it is fiction. Trying to pinpoint the roots of factual or fiction there was a Fred Awalt in Jidda who was a "Saudi expert", a Robert Shaffer who had been to Saudi Arabia and other facts plus books done by Robert Shaffer that would make me lean towards more of a memoir-type instead of fiction. Since of its age and the writer no longer going to be with us I guess it will be a perpetual show more question....

The writing is easy to read and understand while Mr. Shaffer has a beautiful way of transporting his readers to the desert city of Jidda (also spelled Jeddah). You can feel the hotness, the bothersome flies, the charmingness of a gazelle no larger than a cat and also the strange exoticness of a country whose customers don't reflect our own. And yet even with the Middle Eastern/Moslem touch to it the writing also maintains its own English touch so the reading isn't too uncomfortable or abroad that it leaves you shaking your head.

The pictures that are included are simple but add enough to the story. It brings the reader the chance to view Arabia at the time of the writing but also to participate in the read events, especially the Showdown of Skeeter and Suzy.

And to add an authentic touch there is the use and translation of Arabic words within the book. The majority can be found in the back of the book with their translations in an added glossary although a few can only be found within the book itself.

All in all this is a beautiful and outdated book which will transport you to another world while grounding you as you explore not only the land but the feelings of the heart. There is a wild beauty yet sadness when hopes flower, love is tested and sorrows are planted in the soil or sands of a strange land that one must call home even for just a little while..... show less