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Guardians of the Grail: A Life of Diplomacy on the Edge
Chris Datta is a colleague, friend and personal hero of mine. As a fellow Foreign Service Officer, I've done some hard jobs, but nothing compared to Chris's service in the toughest, most dangerous places on earth. Chris tells the story of one American FSO who believed in serving his country in very foreign lands. From the hilariously morbid bureaucracy of South India to the blood-soaked streets of Rwanda to civil war in Liberia to the creation of a new country in South Sudan, this memoir should make us all shake our heads with wonder and pride at the sacrifices our diplomats make for America. Thank you, Chris, for telling our story so well. Ambassador (Ret.) Tom Krajeski
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 25, 2018
About the author
Christopher Datta
11 books14 followersDebut author CHRISTOPHER DATTA is no stranger to civil conflict or the still-extant scourge of slavery. Most recently the acting ambassador to the Republic of South Sudan where he helped end a war in April of 2012, he has spent a distinguished career moving from one strife-torn country to another, including Lebanon, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. A lifelong student of the American Civil War, his research for Touched with Fire is exacting and based in part on a true story.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 5, 2018
Well Written and Interesting Memoir
November 29, 2018
Format: Audible Audiobook
I believe all good memoirs should be heartfelt, reflective, and well written. I am a retired teacher and an avid reader. I found Christopher Datta’s ‘Guardian’s of the Grail; a Life of Diplomacy on the Edge’ is that and much more.
If you enjoy history, foreign lands, adventure, and learning from a personal perspective this is the read for you. Mr. Datta lived and worked for the United States Foreign service for over 30 years and worked in various countries throughout Africa during his career. His story is both fascinating and thoughtful. His duty stations often put him in very dangerous and horrific situations. As examples he describes how he helped set up the American Embassy in Rwanda after the genocide and was helpful in negotiations with various despots in trying to bring peace to war torn African countries. One of the nefarious leaders he dealt with was Joseph Kony of The Lords Resistance Army. Kony is evil incarnate in killing, kidnapping, child soldiers, rapes etc…. I am sure in the line of diplomacy and compromise, some of the decisions Mr. Datta was required to make became a moral dilemma for him. His thoughts on some high profile people in government like Madeline Albright and President Bush were eye opening and the hubris of some mind boggling.
One tends to think of foreign service people living the high life but the author describes this as often very far from the truth. The living conditions and amenities were often ‘rough guide’. Stateside we have no idea the efforts our foreign service workers around the world put toward presenting the United States in a positive light.
I listened to this book on audio and Christopher Datta wisely chose to read his own story. This added a very personal touch like sitting down with a friend over a glass of wine. I don’t know if the hard copy of this book has maps but if it doesn’t -it should. I found myself looking up some of the locations.
I came away with admiration for Mr. Datta and everyone who works in foreign service. An important point before I read this book, I had no idea that an International Criminal Court existed. It gave me pause to hear that some laws on their books couldn’t be enforced and those same laws tolerate/support amoral dictator/leaders. The author emphasizes how important our image throughout the world is to diminish the ‘ugly American’ persona. Diplomacy in our ever- shrinking world is paramount to our success as a country. It matters what the world thinks.
November 29, 2018
Format: Audible Audiobook
I believe all good memoirs should be heartfelt, reflective, and well written. I am a retired teacher and an avid reader. I found Christopher Datta’s ‘Guardian’s of the Grail; a Life of Diplomacy on the Edge’ is that and much more.
If you enjoy history, foreign lands, adventure, and learning from a personal perspective this is the read for you. Mr. Datta lived and worked for the United States Foreign service for over 30 years and worked in various countries throughout Africa during his career. His story is both fascinating and thoughtful. His duty stations often put him in very dangerous and horrific situations. As examples he describes how he helped set up the American Embassy in Rwanda after the genocide and was helpful in negotiations with various despots in trying to bring peace to war torn African countries. One of the nefarious leaders he dealt with was Joseph Kony of The Lords Resistance Army. Kony is evil incarnate in killing, kidnapping, child soldiers, rapes etc…. I am sure in the line of diplomacy and compromise, some of the decisions Mr. Datta was required to make became a moral dilemma for him. His thoughts on some high profile people in government like Madeline Albright and President Bush were eye opening and the hubris of some mind boggling.
One tends to think of foreign service people living the high life but the author describes this as often very far from the truth. The living conditions and amenities were often ‘rough guide’. Stateside we have no idea the efforts our foreign service workers around the world put toward presenting the United States in a positive light.
I listened to this book on audio and Christopher Datta wisely chose to read his own story. This added a very personal touch like sitting down with a friend over a glass of wine. I don’t know if the hard copy of this book has maps but if it doesn’t -it should. I found myself looking up some of the locations.
I came away with admiration for Mr. Datta and everyone who works in foreign service. An important point before I read this book, I had no idea that an International Criminal Court existed. It gave me pause to hear that some laws on their books couldn’t be enforced and those same laws tolerate/support amoral dictator/leaders. The author emphasizes how important our image throughout the world is to diminish the ‘ugly American’ persona. Diplomacy in our ever- shrinking world is paramount to our success as a country. It matters what the world thinks.
April 1, 2026
The life of a US Foreign Service Officer is probably not what most people think. Sitting on the terrace, sipping a gin and tonic with a cigar in your hand, and a beautiful view? Er, not in Christopher's service. Posted to some of the most dangerous countries in Africa, dealing with with aftermath of civil war, genocide, and rebel incursions, Christopher dealt with some dangerous and purely evil characters. At risk of his life, he definitely saved the lives of many thousands of people - through diplomacy. An incredible career: I found this book both interesting and enlightening. At one point in the book, the author said he had to take a break from writing, because of the terrible memories it brought back, and I admit that I had to have a hiatus at that point, also. But at no point did I want to stop reading. Christopher's writing kept me enthralled from beginning to end. Definitely recommended.
April 13, 2021
Excellent book about one man's life of public service in foreign countries. Well worth reading just to learn about foreign service in the diplomatic corps or just to learn a little about diplomacy.
This is the second book I've read by Christopher Datta and look forward to my next one.
This is the second book I've read by Christopher Datta and look forward to my next one.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews