Peter Theroux

Sandstorms

"[A] stunningly candid portrait of culture and politics in the Middle East." —Los Angeles Times Book Review

In this provocative and incisive memoir, Peter Theroux reveals the Middle East only as a true insider can. Stationed as a journalist in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for most of his seven years in the region, Theroux explodes the romantic images of Arabia, but replaces them with the even more intriguing reality of fanatic religious men, overwhelmingly rich and powerful royal families, and the vast gulf in understanding between Arabs and Westerners.

"Theroux's fascination with and deep knowledge of the Arab world is plainly evident, but the charm of Sandstorms is his ability to tell a tale. Current events in the Middle East make it an even more compelling read at the moment." —Los Angles Times

"Theroux scorns the cliches about Arabia. His reporting is accurate and enriched by a strong sense of irony." —Washington Post Book World

"Sandstorms is a wonderful book, written with humor, verve, and sensitivity. It is alive with the images and voices of a mysterious land Theroux came to understand well." —David Lamb, author of The Arabs