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Into Iraq

By: Michael Palin
Narrated by: Michael Palin
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Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

In March 2022, Michael Palin travelled the length of the River Tigris through Iraq to get a sense of what life is like in a region of the world that once formed the cradle of civilisation, but that in recent times has witnessed turmoil and appalling bloodshed. It was a journey of sharp, often brutal contrasts. At one moment he would be exploring the old streets of Baghdad or the ancient ruins of Babylon. At the next he would be visiting the war-torn city of Mosul, or learning about the horrific Speicher massacre in Tikrit. Now he shares the journal he meticulously kept during his trip, in which he describes the very varied places he visited, the people he met and the impressions he formed of a country that few outsiders now venture to see.

Permeated with his warmth and humour, this is a vivid and varied portrait of a complex country.

©2022 Michael Palin (P)2022 Penguin Audio
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What listeners say about Into Iraq

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into Iraq

has not lost his touch. Another impressive piece of work, wonderfully evocative. As always well written by himself

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The descriptive writing

An excellent listen . I have thoroughly enjoyed this excellent book. Michael Palin is a gifted narrator

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A gentle but sometimes sad journey

It is difficult to to escape the sense of melancholy in the text and the reading. Iraq an endlessly fascinating nation blessed with ancient wonders and enriched with modern resources but scarred too often by conflicts. Palin, an ever reliable travel companion, shares the wonder and frustrations as beautifully as he always does. This account imparts its knowledge lightly, may make you want to visit, and reminded me of how much I miss the country I briefly lived in.

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Sad and moving and brilliant

This account is deeply thought provoking and moving. Michael Palin is brilliant and I’m so grateful to him for giving me the chance to imagine myself on this recent journey in Iraq.

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A return to Iraq

Lovely to listen to the legendary Sir Michael recount his journey into Iraq. As usual it’s insightful and humorous and important to someone who has previously spent time in Iraq during its turbulent past to hear about the hope for its future.

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Sympathetic but not uncritical

The narrative and the narration appealed to me. The material helped me to understand more of modern Iraq and took me back to the places I visited in Iraq as a student in the 1960’s

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Good but different.

Another excellent account of his travels in a very different land.
I felt there was a melancholy tone to this one. I am a fan of all his travels and was delighted he overcame many difficulties to visit Iraq, so few of us will have that opportunity.

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Well written travel writing

Palin takes you on a very observant journey through Iraq, striking a careful balance between history, culture, and personal observation. Highly recommend for those interested in knowing how travels through Iraq might be.

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Just so lovely !

Michael Palin is my favourite travel writer and this book doesn’t disappoint. He is respectful of the country and its people and displays curiosity mingled with non-judgmental gentleness which is rare, I think. The book is well written & well read.

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The usual amazing stuff from Michael

Yes… it’s all so predictable. Lots if facts, lots of emotion and lots of incredible insights in a forbidden land steeped in ancient history and troubled times. Always optimistic. Always entertaining. Always amazing.

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