Trip Lit: Between Terror and Tourism

Book columnist Don George reviews Michael Mewshaw’s latest.

To celebrate his 65th birthday, novelist and travel writer Michael Mewshaw decided to embark on an ambitious–and many would say, reckless–overland odyssey across North Africa, from the storied Egyptian port of Alexandria through Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria to Tangier, Morocco.

Why? Because, as he wonderfully puts it, “I didn’t understand why anyone would not want to travel across North Africa on a grand, sweeping passage through legendary cities, each with its deep historic and literary associations.” The result is the riveting Between Terror and Tourism,

a good old-fashioned travel narrative that transports you to a region you’re not likely to visit, educates you about its history, religion, and culture, and vividly depicts the landscapes and people encountered. Read the full review here.

Photo: Martin Sasse/laif/Redux