This book first came to my knowledge when reading National Geographic Traveller; the topic fascinated me straight away and it was a way to fuel my wanderlust without… wandering.
This transcendent account of a journey that begins on a whim is humorous, cultural, educational, intriguing and thrilling. Lois Pryce’s first-person account of her journey begins after finding a note from a man, simply named ‘Habib’, left on her motorcycle outside the shuttered Iranian embassy, in London. He pleads with her to come to Iran and visit his city, Shiraz and promises that the people of Iran have been misrepresented in the rising tensions between the English and Iranian governments.
She follows her heart and undertakes a journey that flouts all official warnings against travel to Iran, the passing comments of people who say it’s ‘too dangerous’ and the restrictive conditions of her Iranian travel visa to embark on a 3,000-mile journey from the Turkish-Iranian border to Shiraz. Following in the footsteps of one of her idols Freya Stark and gaining an unmatched insight into a country she meets unlikely lifelong friends, learns local and cultural customs, tastes new foods, witnesses breath-taking natural beauty and learns more than she originally bargained for.
I think you can tell so far, that this book is one I like. If you’re looking to escape a dreary commute or a rainy cold day you will definitely do so reading this book. Pryce’s writing is submersive; you will find yourself riding with her on her trail 250cc, through every bump, turn in the road and nearly empty fuel tank. Reading this book was so much more than I expected. She mixes both history and modern day insights with a sublime ease and gives you such a great understanding of the country itself, that unfolds and develops along her journey. You come to know the people she meets and often feel your emotions rise and fall along side hers. You find yourself gunning for her, and hoping that the journey continues in the same fashion. Find out the art of ta’arof and the Iranian's incessant need to picnic, learn about the rising younger generations of revolutionaries, Iranian hipsters, modernists and fiercely bold women and experience Pryce’s journey of understanding this conflicted and convoluted country to love its history, present and future.
The sense of ‘danger’ or more so precaution is a subtle undertone in her writing but overshadowing this is the feeling of excitement and discovery that you can’t help but be infected by. Throughout the novel her voice is strong and unyielding, her personality shines through in her writing to create an almost perfect mix of excitement and insight. Overall I'd highly recommend this read, just be careful not to catch the bug to jet off to Iran on turning the last page. Get it paperback for £14.99 on Amazon, in Waterston’s or in WHSmith’s; or £6.99 on kindle.
Her previous two books ‘Lois on the Loose’ (2007) and ‘Red Tape & White Knuckles’ (2008) are now firm additions to my reading list, so watch this space for more reviews!