These Bodies of Water: A Personal History of the British Empire in the Middle East

by Sabrina Mahfouz

'Impossible to put down while you're reading, and impossible to forget about when you've finished' GlamourAfter a gruelling job interview where she was interrogated about everything from her political leanings to her family background, Sabrina Mahfouz realised that one unspoken question had pervaded her entire as a woman of Middle Eastern heritage, could she really be trusted?Years later, Sabrina found herself confronting this question and how it was specifically informed by the British Empire's historical dominance in the Middle East. Taking us on a journey of the Middle-Eastern coastlines and waterways that were so vital to the Empire's hold, and combining memoir, history, politics, myth and poetry, These Bodies of Water is a tapestry of writing that tells the unacknowledged story of Britain's relationship with the Middle East in the most revealing terms.'A writer of staggering conviction, ingenuity and integrity' Kae Tempest'Brilliant and profound' Nikesh Shukla'A bold, brave look at the ways imperialism affects us all' Riz Ahmed

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2022

Reviews

[Funchit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting perspective and some geopolitics

[Georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible. Love the split of history, geography and personal anecdotes connected throughout!

[Cheryl Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard to give a rating on something that is basically someone's lived experience. And while I was interested in the subject in the title I found the book itself a bit messy and confusingly written. Much more of a memoir that history book. 

That being said I think it is worth a read as it does give insight into a difficult subject.