Passionate Nomad : The Life of Freya Stark (Modern Library Paperbacks)
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| Passionate Nomad : The Life of Freya Stark (Modern Library Paperbacks) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Freya Stark—traveler, explorer, Arabist, and woman of letters—began the extraordinary adventures that would glamorize her—and would catapult her into public life for the next sixty years—in 1927. And with the publication of The Valley of the Assassins in 1934, her legend was launched.
Leaving behind a miserable family life, Freya set out, at the age of thirty-four, to explore remote and dangerous regions of the Middle East. She was captured in 1927 by the French military police after penetrating their cordon around the rebellious Druze. She explored the mountainous territory of the mysterious Assassins of Persia, became the first woman to explore Luristan in western Iran, and followed ancient frankincense routes to locate a lost city. Admired by British officialdom, her knowledge of Middle Eastern languages and culture aided the military and diplomatic corps, for whom she conceived an effective propaganda network during WWII. But Stark’s indomitable spirit was forged by contradictions, her high-profile wanderings often masking deep insecurities. A child of privilege, she grew up in near poverty; she longed for love, but consistently focused on the wrong men. This is a brilliant and balanced biography—filled with sheikhs, diplomats, nomad warriors and chieftains, generals, would be lovers, and luminaries. Author Jane Geniesse digs beneath the mythology to uncover a complex, quixotic, and controversial woman. |
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Never mind that upon her death in 1993, the then 100-year-old Dame Freya Stark rated a three-column obit in The New York Times. Mention her name to most Americans, and it will elicit a "Freya who?" The tales and travails of this romantic traveler, who marched alone into the Middle East from Persia to Yemen, discovering lost cities and creating an anti-Nazi intelligence system along the way, are captured in this compelling biography by former New York Times reporter Jane Fletcher Geniesse.
The author unveils not the fearless wanderer whose mappings and 30 books brought Stark awards from the likes of the Royal Geographical Society and made her a darling of British society. Instead Stark is seen as humble, insecure, and forever caught in the role of perpetual alien--be it when the English-born child grows up in Italy, where her mother lives in scandal, or when she plunges alone into the East, a feat never before accomplished by a Westerner. An unwilling iconoclast whose love of travel, she would say, began as an infant when her father carried her in a basket over the Dolomites, Stark longed for the social security of the times: marriage and children. Proposals fell through, on occasion her beloved was married, or the romantic emotions she felt went unrequited--and besides, as a friend later pointed out, marriage would have spoiled her with its confinements. Rising above depression, self-imposed ostracism, and her numerous illnesses, Stark learned Arabic and how to climb mountains, map, partake in geographical digs, and find a niche in strange cultures. Initially ridiculed for her passionate fondness of the Middle East, her writings ultimately generated vast interest for that mysterious part of the world, where she was surprisingly embraced, made privy to political movements closed to most foreigners, and even shown precious Islamic documents. At times a nurse, a war correspondent, a negotiator, Stark was a one-woman revolution of her time. Geniesse's intoxicating documentation of her life not only serves to stir up new interest in Stark's many books; it also ensures that the name Freya Stark will live on long after her obituary is but a scrap of yellowed, crackling newsprint. --Melissa Rossi |
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| Reader Reviews Below Sorted by Newest First | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 04-13-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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A well written, well researched book about a fearless and adventurous woman who lived a most interesting life. Especially interesting--though not surprising--were how the insecurities she lived through as a child molded her as an adult. Her near financial poverty as a child in a world where peers and relatives lived sumptuous lives gave her a ravenous appetite for luxury as an adult. Her beautiful, emotionally remote mother and mostly absent father had her looking for love from the unlikeliest of men during most of her adult years. This book shouldn't be missed even if you aren't particularly interested in the part of the world she adored.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-07 03:55:57 EST)
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| 06-11-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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My Journey to Lhasa: The Classic Story of the Only Western Woman Who Succeeded in Entering the Forbidden CityForbidden Journey (Marlboro Travel)I don't understand why other great women travellers are not mentioned in any of these reviews. If you like this author, don't forget about Alexandra David-Neel who paved the way and Annemarie Schwarzenbach and Ella Maillart who traced their own unique paths. All but Schwarzenbach have been translated into English and are available from amazon.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-04-14 03:53:35 EST)
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| 12-31-06 | 5 | 1\1 |
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Having just scrolled through the other reviews, I don't have anything to add except the comment that I am another fan of this book. I think the author did a good job of bringing this complex, interesting woman to life.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-10-14 04:07:57 EST)
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| 12-30-06 | 5 | 1\1 |
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Having just scrolled through the other reviews, I don't have anything to add except the comment that I am another fan of this book. I think the author did a good job of bringing this complex, interesting woman to life.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-04-11 04:41:17 EST)
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| 11-12-06 | 4 | 4\4 |
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Freya Start was a pioneer in her day -- a remarkable and complex woman whose intellectual curiosity led her to explore a region --the Middle East-- where few Western women felt comfortable to go in company, let alone, as a solo traveler. THis book describes her character as it developed over time, headstrong, determined, and driven to compensate for her plain features and disfigured face with daring adventures. Her advise and counsel to the British foreign office proved to be amazingly prescient, though she was not always heeded. A very good book of historical and human significance.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-10-14 04:07:57 EST)
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| 11-11-06 | 4 | 1\1 |
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Freya Start was a pioneer in her day -- a remarkable and complex woman whose intellectual curiosity led her to explore a region --the Middle East-- where few Western women felt comfortable to go in company, let alone, as a solo traveler. THis book describes her character as it developed over time, headstrong, determined, and driven to compensate for her plain features and disfigured face with daring adventures. Her advise and counsel to the British foreign office proved to be amazingly prescient, though she was not always heeded. A very good book of historical and human significance.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-12-31 04:56:36 EST)
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| 10-15-05 | 5 | 6\6 |
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Another amazing book about another amazing British lady of the ealy 1900's. Gertrude Bell (Desert Queen ) and Freya Stark are two incredible women who broke all the barriers of their era. Another must read for those interested in the development of the Middle East in the early 1900's, the cultures of these people and the strength and determination of an incredible woman in a time when only men ruled the world.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-10-14 04:07:57 EST)
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| 10-14-05 | 5 | 3\3 |
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Another amazing book about another amazing British lady of the ealy 1900's. Gertrude Bell (Desert Queen ) and Freya Stark are two incredible women who broke all the barriers of their era. Another must read for those interested in the development of the Middle East in the early 1900's, the cultures of these people and the strength and determination of an incredible woman in a time when only men ruled the world.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-12-07 05:06:52 EST)
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| 08-24-05 | 3 | 5\6 |
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The book offers a well-researched and - presented insight into the life a remarkable woman who had a passion for the region we know as the Middle-East; who lived amongst the people in the region and observed their way of life and worldview with an open mind and with immense humanity, an attitude uncharacteristic of her compatriots.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-10-14 04:07:57 EST)
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| 07-10-05 | 5 | 3\3 |
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Very readable biography of a most unusual woman. I read a few of Freda Stark's books and thus was drawn to this biography. I was not disappointed.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-10-14 04:07:57 EST)
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| 09-13-04 | 5 | 7\8 |
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This book is for anyone who loves adventure, different cultures, exciting and interesting characters, and history. I had never even heard of Freya Stark before stumbling upon a recommendation for this book. I started it with some uncertainty, but soon I couldn't put it down. The author has done a wonderful job of presenting the life of this fascinating woman in the context of the times. I learned so much about the history of the Middle East and have a little bit better understanding of the many complexities facing that area today.
I loved the writing syle, the pictures, and the use of quotes from Stark's writing as chapter headers (several I have copied to keep on file). This book is definitely readable, informative, entertaining, and has lead me to explore Stark's own writings as well as information about the many individuals who appear in the book (such as Gertrude Bell). The only annoying element of this book was the author's focus on Stark's appearance. Apparently, however, this was a huge concern for Stark herself, but by looking at her pictures, she certainly was not that unattractive. And her smile is delightful. I thank the Amazon reader who lead me to this book. I highly recommend it as well. (Review Data Last Updated: 2006-12-07 05:06:52 EST)
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| 05-26-04 | 2 | 14\15 |
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There ought to be a law against an author writing a biography of a person whom she doesn't really like, respect, or understand. According to Geniesse, Freya Stark was a homely, erratic opportunist who could never commit herself to a loving relationship. The only good thing I have to say for this book is that it has encouraged me to read Freya's own words. Having started now with "The Valley of the Assassins," I now see how utterly Geniesse missed Freya's humor, compassion, and intellect. If you're interested in the life of an incredibly perceptive, funny, and courageous adventurer, and would like to learn something about what the Middle East was like a generation or two ago, my own recommendation would be to give this book a miss and head straight for Freya Stark's own writings.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-12-07 05:06:52 EST)
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| 05-05-04 | 5 | 2\3 |
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I read about PASSIONATE NOMADE in a book catalog and thought it might be interesting to read, so I checked it out of the library. Fify pages into it, I returned it to the library and bought my own copy.
Freya Stark was a very intelligent and very gusty lady, one I would have loved to have known. Although her exciting travels in the Middle East brought her fame and recognition, her personal life was fully of pain and insecurity. Jane Geniesse has written an incredible biography of an incredible woman. An unexpected bonus of this book is the understanding it has given me of the 20th century history and culture of the Middle East. With my son currently stationed in Iraq, the insights this book has given me are especially revelant. (Review Data Last Updated: 2006-01-17 10:44:11 EST)
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| 07-23-03 | 4 | 6\6 |
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A fascinating book, especially in the light of the current activity in Iraq and the rest of the Middle East. Many of the observations she makes about the culture, the great religious divides, and the inclination of the West to intervene to try to provide stability and leadership in the region are as true today as they were in the 1920s and 30s. The rifts that exist between the various Muslim sects have histories that date back hundreds of years, and are the same ones that continue to cause so much tension today. Besides the historical content, it is entertaining and inspiring to read about Ms. Stark, a woman who despite her insecurities, unconventional upbringing, and lack of formal education, went on to become a leading expert and advisor on Middle Eastern affairs. Better than fiction...it is all true!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-01-17 10:44:11 EST)
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| 03-21-03 | 1 | 3\12 |
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Freya Stark led an amazing life and deserves honorable recognition for her illuminating work, not a deprecating biography by an author who never knew her. This book is full of social messages and tries to incorporate a liberal agenda into the life of an extraordinary woman. Too much attention is paid to meaningless nuances. For example, the author repeatedly implies that Freya Stark was an ugly woman. This is simply not true. Sure, she may not have been stunning but it is clear that she was average and by no means homely. The author seems to have no respect for this great woman and it makes this book difficult to appreciate.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-01-17 10:44:11 EST)
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| 12-01-01 | 5 | 6\6 |
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Although this book may seem to start out slowly for those eager to read of Stark's adventures, the background on her upbringing sets the stage for her psyche and actions. She develops as a paradox of insecurity and bravery. Her travels are amazing (especially in context of the times) and contributions are numerous (geographical, political, etc.) There are ample facts but enough tidbits to keep the account human. The inserts of Stark's own writings reveal her intelligence and wit. They also peak interest in her own books, including her autobiography.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-01-17 10:44:11 EST)
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| 11-04-01 | 5 | 27\28 |
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As a lover of biographies, I became interested in this book up after reading a positive review from Modern Library. What could be more interesting than to read about a woman ahead of her time, fearless, captivating, smart and daring? Dame Freya Stark was all of these things, as well as a little "difficult".
Drowning in the despair of a dead-end future and smarting after a broken engagement, Freya decides to embark on a journey to the Middle East and from that moment establishes the course of an adventurous and remarkable life. Having studied Arabic and arming herself with as much knowledge as possible about the people she is going to visit, Freya sets out to explore the mysteries of an often misunderstood people. Often with little else than a donkey and one guide, Freya would visit the remotest, most dangerous places of countries like Yemen and Iraq in search of lost civilizations and ancient ruins. Braving illnesses and occassional mishaps, her attempts prove fruitful as she is able to test the accuracy of British maps; and in proving herself a talented writer of her experiences, she is honored by the Royal Geographic Society. In time her successes win her the respect of both East and West and she becomes a hailed celebrity in her native Great Britain. Leading a colorful life while making and breaking friendships, Freya is eventually given work with the British Foreign Service during World War II and manages to establish a successful pro-British propoganda organization in the Middle East. Having proven herself an invaluable asset to her country, Ms. Stark is eventually knighted by Queen Elizabeth. Author Jane Fletcher Geniesse writes an honest account of this great traveler, neither glorifying or demonizing her. We are allowed to see Dame Freya as she truly is: a remarkable woman with all the quirks that make her human. Reading this book was an absolute pleasure and how wonderful to learn about such a courageous woman who did whatever the hell she pleased! To borrow from reviewer Jim Lehrer, "Passionate Nomad is a work of nonfiction that reads and sings with the drama and life of a fine novel". (Review Data Last Updated: 2006-01-17 10:44:11 EST)
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