South from Barbary

July 1, 2003
In this contemporary desert travelog, British-born journalist Marozzi recounts his 1500-mile journey by camel through the Libyan Sahara. It is the story of two men, Marozzi and his companion, who seek adventure by embarking on a prolonged journey in the Sahara, enduring numerous inconveniences and endlessly fussing about everything. Though the book is heavily interlaced with historical insights and abundantly references accounts by previous travelers, the author's indignation and incessant complaints make the work more irritating than informing. Marozzi's political tirades and satirical commentaries are humorless, their veracity compromised by an obsessive disdain for Libya's political leadership and a permeating ethnocentricity. The narrative betrays a shocking degree of arrogance and insensitivity and is redeemed, perhaps, only by the author's compassion for his camels. Despite a dedication to detail and occasionally fine prose, Marozzi has written a story that will interest few readers, annoy many, and captivate none. An optional purchase at best.-Edward K. Owusu-Ansah, CUNY Coll. of Staten Island Lib., NY

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