Stranger to History

Reviews / Votes

A subtle and poignant work by a young writer to watch. -- V.S. Naipaul Taseer uses this intensely personal prism to spring a narrative that darts deftly between physical journey and childhood memoir. The paternal relationship he never had becomes the backbone of the book, which is all the better for it. Uncomfortable reading for Daddy, certainly, but gripping for the rest of us. * * Literary Review * * Probing, exhilarating and shot through with pinpoint observations of people, places and situations. -- Kenny Hodgart * * Herald * * Stranger to History is remarkable. The souks, the landcapes and the people are described in simple, poetic language . . . Indispensable reading for anyone who wants a wider understanding of the Islamic world, of its history and its politics. -- Emmanuelle Smith * * Financial Times * * A memorable read that engages the mind as well as the heart. -- Tom Adair * * Scotsman * * Engrossing and provocative . . . Part travelogue, part memoir, this honest and revealing book is an attempt to form a better relationship with his father. Throughout, he confronts the concerns of religion and politics head on, unafraid to question the basic principles of faith and the Islamic view of history. -- Duncan Mills * * Traveller Magazine * * A revealing personal odyssey . . . Illuminating. * * The Bookseller * * Stranger to History is remarkable. The souks, the landcapes and the people are described in simple, poetic language . . . Indespensable reading for anyone who wants a wider understanding of the Islamic world, of its history and its politics. * * Financial Times * *