Bibliofemme Bookclub An Irish Bookclub

Before this I had never read a book that aroused in me such an interest in a country that I previously knew nothing about. In Like Nowhere Else our main character, Vivien, fell in love with Yemen through travel books when she was younger. She has now travelled to Yemen to see it for herself. En route she meets anthropologist Christian Linklater and slowly a relationship grows between them.

Unfortunately, all is not plain sailing. Linklater’s past is entwined with Vivien’s best friend Gemma and, before long, their blossoming relationship seems doomed. However, this storyline becomes secondary to the incredible descriptions of Yemen. Woods obviously feels very strongly about the country and through Vivien’s eyes the reader is treated to a glimpse of a truly amazing place.

The story in itself is interesting but it is Woods’ descriptions of the crowded and sometimes threatening suq, the vast landscapes of the Empty Quarter, the rooftop views of the city of Sana’a and the description of a drive through the dunes to the old walled city of Shibam that keeps the reader enthralled.

This book is a wonderful read. Vibrant language, vivid descriptions and, for once, a realistic ending. Recommended.