Desert Bonds: A Father and Son's Middle East Odyssey

by Dermod Dwyer, Denis Dwyer

Desert Bonds - A Father & Son's Middle East Odyssey' is a deeply personal and thought-provoking travelogue offering a timely perspective on the Middle East chronicling a 3,500-kilometre road trip undertaken by the father-son duo through Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Israel and Palestine in 2024, just months after the Hamas attack on Israel.

Their 22-day journey explored historic sites such as Baalbek, Palmyra, and Petra, and included deeply moving experiences such as the Holy Fire Easter celebration in Jerusalem. They visited the annual Holocaust memorial ceremony at Yad Vashem and met Palestinian police officers in Bethlehem.

What makes the book stand is that it offers a personal reflection on the history, conflict, and cultural resilience of the region, all brought to life with great photography and vivid storytelling.

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284 pages, Paperback

Published January 31, 2025

Reviews

[Colin Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have known Dermod and Denis for many years and them having an adventure in the Middle East is not a surprise. However getting the opportunity to read about the trip and see it come to life in the photos in the book is a lovely surprise. The political backdrop to their trip is what makes the book so interesting and getting to hear what people on the ground make of everything and how it impacts their everyday lives is the highlight.

[Dermod Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written and presented book - in full color throughout. The story of a 3,500 km father and son road trip through the Middle East - Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine and Israel right up to the Gates of Gaza in April and May 2024.
The book has received extra ordinary reviews from leading journalists, broadcasters and authors.

[Reader]

I am in awe: of the ambition of the writers in undertaking their journey; of their courage in persisting in the light of developing conflict; of the choices of locations visited; and of the quality of the reporting. Overall, a most impressive and valuable book, giving insights into geography, history, religious and social aspects of life in this important area.