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Bin Laden: Behind the Mask of the Terrorist
Book by Robinson, Adam
- GenresBiography
302 pages, Hardcover
First published November 12, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 8, 2020
Mind blowing journey of a young man who decides the fate of a nation. What starts off as a simple curiosity to know what goes on in the head of a terrorist becomes a journey through the maze of his mind and his evolution. Very underrated but absolutely brilliant!
February 22, 2022
Published the same year that 9/11 devastated America and shocked the Western world, this book does not offer a finalised biography of Osama bin Laden's entire life. What it does offer, though, is a comprehensive account of his youth and background, and indeed a detailed history of his doings up to 2001. On top of this, it has a sense of urgency, being written so shortly after "September 11", when Bin Laden was at large, and nobody knew what else he might do.
Personally, I really enjoyed this book. It provides an engaging insight into Bin Laden's motivations, as well as his obvious ingenuity, but also a revealing glimpse into the privileged world he was born into, as the son of a wealthy construction tycoon in Saudi Arabia. It must be said: the editing is pretty atrocious. There are so many typos in this book, it isn't funny. And it has other flaws. It lacked structural unity, feeling like sections were written between large gaps in time, and connections that were already known to the reader are reintroduced as if they reader isn't already filled in on the background. I think Mr Robinson wasn't bothered with doing that final proof-read.
Also, his occasional attempts to make a psychological assessment of Bin Laden were a bit pathetic - often revolving around lazy, repeated insinuations that all the men he closely allied himself with took on a fatherly or even "homoerotic" figure for him. Putting aside its flaws though, I greatly enjoyed this. Kind of messy, but also fascinating and entirely accessible - so much so that its faults can be forgiven.
Personally, I really enjoyed this book. It provides an engaging insight into Bin Laden's motivations, as well as his obvious ingenuity, but also a revealing glimpse into the privileged world he was born into, as the son of a wealthy construction tycoon in Saudi Arabia. It must be said: the editing is pretty atrocious. There are so many typos in this book, it isn't funny. And it has other flaws. It lacked structural unity, feeling like sections were written between large gaps in time, and connections that were already known to the reader are reintroduced as if they reader isn't already filled in on the background. I think Mr Robinson wasn't bothered with doing that final proof-read.
Also, his occasional attempts to make a psychological assessment of Bin Laden were a bit pathetic - often revolving around lazy, repeated insinuations that all the men he closely allied himself with took on a fatherly or even "homoerotic" figure for him. Putting aside its flaws though, I greatly enjoyed this. Kind of messy, but also fascinating and entirely accessible - so much so that its faults can be forgiven.
May 7, 2010
This is a very interesting book, detailing the biography of Osama Bin Laden (who needs no introduction).
I found the entire story of his growth – his august background, his earlier interests in life, his moving to fundamental views, etc. very intriguing. The whole financial network he had built was really interesting; in fact, the whole “corporate” approach he used in strengthening his terror network is really shocking.
While I cannot comment on the accuracy of all the details, I certainly found the book very gripping – the pace and narration maintained a steady pace; also the details of people, entities, chronology of events, etc. were all quit remarkable.
Overall – strongly recommended.
I found the entire story of his growth – his august background, his earlier interests in life, his moving to fundamental views, etc. very intriguing. The whole financial network he had built was really interesting; in fact, the whole “corporate” approach he used in strengthening his terror network is really shocking.
While I cannot comment on the accuracy of all the details, I certainly found the book very gripping – the pace and narration maintained a steady pace; also the details of people, entities, chronology of events, etc. were all quit remarkable.
Overall – strongly recommended.
November 16, 2011
It is a good book, reflecting how politics is creating people like Osama!!!
March 17, 2017
Not so good.However, it gives you a good insight of his life.
July 18, 2014
nice book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews