Rebecca LoweThe Slow Road to Tehran: A Revelatory Bike Ride Through Europe and the Middle East by Rebecca Lowe

Rebecca Lowe is clearly an excellent writer, some of her prose leaps off the page and is very engaging. At points, the prose links into a compelling story but, all too frequently, I found myself wondering how she'd chosen what to record on any given day as the narrative jumped around in such a jumbled way. This writing style left me increasingly wanting the book to end, despite there being a lot of interesting elements.Ultimately, for me at least, her tendency to link increasingly random thought and events left me cold - it felt like she wrote diary entries on many pieces of paper and then did her best to align them, despite the tone and content varying significantly. Some travel writers made an art of this (Bruce Chatwin for example) but I think this book would have benefited from a clearer narrative arc.It also doesn't help that the cycling is relegated to an afterthought, only rarely breaking through into the narrative in any meaningful way - for large parts of the book she might as well have been using a different form of transport entirely.Finally, the saddest thing for me was that I discovered this journey from the author's blog, as the journey was happening. I appreciate that not every story can make it into the book but so many of the great stories from her trip through the Balkans and down to Lebanon were completely lost. That the thoughts of these, for the most part, voiceless people were abandoned in preference for the middle-east, is something I found rather sad

What a truly amazing book, Rebecca makes you feel like your actually on this journey with her, couldn’t put it down.Waiting for your next book. 👍🏻😃

The Slow Road to Tehran is a book that encapsulates the very best of travel writing. A book that resonates with place and people, combined with the challenge of an ambitious solo exploration of a huge region, The Middle East, 11,0000km over a year by bicycle. Add to the mix an impartial and excellent exposition of the political, geopolitical, social and cultural problems and contradictions of this hugely significant global area, as well as an appreciation of how the historical context has shaped each country (not least the colonial ambitions and meddling of Britain, America et al) and The Slow Road to Tehran is entertaining and informative. The book has a perfect balance of the journey itself, the landscapes, climatic conditions and challenges of cycling alone in challenging terrain, as well as myriad human interactions, well researched historical context, and a treatise on the state society and government.Rebecca Lowe writes with honesty and humour, clarity and insight, capturing the humanity and kindness inherent in the overwhelming majority of people she meets. The generosity of spirit, the compassion of strangers to help unbidden. But she does not shy away from the uglier side of humanity. The oppressive, suspicious regimes, the misogynistic attitudes that prevail, the unwelcome sexual overtones and unwelcome attention that she encounters being a lone woman cycling through a resolutely male dominated region.This is not a superficial examination. There is bravery and tenacity in the places she visits, and the people she spends time with, from marginalised communities, activists and those seeking political change - always at risk of state persecution.I travelled through Iran in 1996, as well as Turkey and have visited Egypt and the UAE also. Rebecca Lowe ignited my memories of these beautiful countries. Faith pervades all aspects of Middle Eastern societies, and is apparent throughout the book. Yet Islam, is only part of what defines the region. It is a complex, challenging, changing and diverse area of the world. Confusing and frustrating, but rewarding and satisfying.In conclusion, after reading this superb book, I feel The Middle East has been a little demystified and I am grateful to Rebecca Lowe (and Maud) for that.

Rebecca Lowe joins a long list of travellers who wrote accounts of journeys throughout the world.She cycled through Europe and the Middle East, throughout what could amount to dangerous terraines and cultural difference but focusing on the universal nature of human beings for better or worse , keeping an open mind and braving sometimes hostile encounters with a spirit which one can only admire.I could not put this book down , being drawn into the complex geopolitical arguments, reading about people's stories, opinions and real life situations and witnessing the displacement of many. Ms Lowe is a born story teller.

I have just finished The Slow Road to Tehran. I devoured it which I rarely do with books these days (must be my aged brain) and I think it is brilliant.In my opinion, the author strikes the perfect balance between history/culture/politics etc. and personal stories from the road making the book informative, interesting and at times, very funny. I haven't laughed like this while reading a book for a while!I am in awe of what Rebecca Lowe has done and highly recommend The Slow Road to Tehran.

What an honour it is to ride with Rebecca on her remarkable journey to Tehran. She makes the politics, culture and history of each country so interesting and enjoyable. Above all, I loved that she was a woman, doing her own thing with such humour and bravery despite the region receiving such negative press. Rebecca makes us look at the reality of life in the middle East from such a human perspective. More please I'll miss you

Humour, humanity and informed historical context brought colour and life to many countries that are woven into the tapestry of one idea of the middle East. I sincerely hope Rebecca gets back on her bike and leads us on even more fascinating trails to open up our Western vision of this part of the world. Great read

A wonderful book, how all travel books should be written. A very exciting story written with humour and insight into the situation at the Middle East. I couldn't put it down. It isn't a journey to undertake lightly, but I hope Rebecca Lowe will do something similar again and produce another masterpiece of a travelogue!