Lonely Planet Journeys : The Gates of Damascus

The Gates of Damascus is a beautifully drawn portrait of daily life in modern-day Syria. Through her intimate contact with Hala, a Damascene, Lieve Joris experiences the routines and celebrations of domestic life in the Middle East. She also witnesses the impact of Syrian politics on the lives of ordinary people. A travel writing classic, Lieve Joris's book offers a unique insight into the complexities of the Arab world. 

'She has expanded the boundaries of travel writing.'
Times Literary Supplement