Amongst the Touareg

Wonderful stuff.
I'm putting this on my shelf as soon as there's room in the hope that more people read it.

Good luck.
Diana
Pascual's Birthday

At November 26, 2011 you were last online 884 days ago --

Have you eschewed the "comforts" of London and returned to Allah´s garden? Or have you found another paradise to explore?

Your script is absolutely riveting, but I suppose I´ll have to wait another 800 days for the rest of the story.

Wherever you are, Jeremy, don´t ever stop connecting with people and places I´ll never see. I need you to keep bringing the Touaregs and Timbuktus of the world to me.

Elina
CLASH

This book is highly inspirational. The author brings us among this tribe to Timbuktu, it feels like travelling alongside him. This book offers a new view on the Touareg in addition to the dangers and suffering in the desolate desert. Jeremy Curl is the Ranulph Fiennes of his generation. His writing is as exceptionally good as his brother's, a journalist at the Phoenix.

I have just spent over an hour scrolling down hundreds of books looking for one that might interest me! Yours does capture my interest. I've only read a few paragraphs today; will get back to it in the next few days.

this is an excellent read. Thank you for us enlightening us.Backed
In comparison, my travels were a walk in the park. I would appreciate it if you would have a glance at 'the compulsive adventurer' Mike Thonger

What an incredible opportunity for you to live with these peopleand experience a way of life that is so alien to what most of us know! I found the story to be fascinating and for the most part well written. A couple of suggestions for improvement (in my opinion anyway, but who am I to judge, right?): I did notice a pretty pervasive use of passive voice. You unnecessarily attach too many verbs to "was," and without this I think your narrative would really come alive for a reader.

Overall, I was very impressed by this account, and I would pick it up from a bookstore in a heartbeat.

VERY interesting story I ever heard. BAcked.

There are far too few non-fiction pieces of this order on the site and this is one of the better of them. I applaud your work, both here for the reading and that which occurred in the Sahara. What a privilege it must have been.

Lockjaw

Well, you can certainly write. The narratives are quite beautiful and it's obvious that you've written this from passion. Since you're a photographer, too, are you planning to have photos?

This book is definitely not the kind of book I normally buy, although with photos, I might (I'm not kidding.)

There's a real hunger nowadays for information about other cultures (according to an article I read about what publishers might be looking for.) The Kite Runner is a good example, but it's fiction.

I think that if you turn more of your narrative into actual scenes with dialogue and conflict and more emotion...even if you have to fictionalize a bit to do so--you might just find a publisher.

I'm shelving you because I believe in what you're doing with this book.

Cheers,
Sheryl (In All The Wrong Places)

Dear Jeremy
I believe I wrote you you about your book some time ago and how much I enjoyed reading about a place and people so far removed from my experiences. This time I'm going to be a bit more picky, pointing out "errors" that slowed my vision of what you were saying. I hope my comments help you even if at times I come across as an "editor." But isnlt that what Haper Collins will do when the book gets to their desk?
The first sentence stopped me. I (had gone = went, arrived at))
I (had = delete) travelled. .. For the immediacy of your account write in the present even though the events happened in the past. Tell your story as if you were talking to the reader, bring him along with you as you travel.
(As I write these words... = eliminate this phrase. Toureg life (that, which?) (has = delete) inhabited..must be modernized (n order to = add) improve... and (the) standards (add comma) (This is often) a project often
...indeed weep ((s a ord missing here? but because...
...the harshness of the desert, the Sahara exists as a place...(that has = delete) engulfed... (In time = delete)In Arabia the catastrophic change brought about by the discovery of oil transformed a tribal society... The same will be true...
In my opinion, even though your book has achieved a reasonable advance, it is now time for you to give it a thorough read-through, tightening up your presentation.
May I say, I have also done considerable rewriting on my book, Prides Crossing. If you get a chance, I'd appreciate any comments you might have. Best wishes. Edie

Wonderful. Shelved.

M&J
(Greamor)

Hello Jeremy,

Your experience with the Tuoaregs, a Berber-speaking nomadic people who are the equivalent of the Bedouins for the Arabs. I like your non-judgemental and non-scholastic approach in depicting your experience with these amazing people.

The Sahara is rife with history, intrigues and stretches man to its fullest potential at survival. You book delve into all of that and gave us a better insight to these free souls that are threatened today by modernity and unforgiving Sahara.

A compelling read and one that takes a reader into the world of a unique people.


All the best.

Janvier (Flash of the Sun)

Hi Jeremy! There are not many non-fiction books here in Authonomy, but yours is definitely the best written and most interesting. I knew nothing about the Touareg before reading this. I feel much better informed, now, although it isn't the easiest of reads as there is so much to digest along the way. Even incidental things are informative. I now know where gerbils come from. :) You are well-travelled, and your perspective on what you encounter makes the book. (I also lived in Japan.) If I could offer one suggestion about this work, I would tell you to emphasize more of the interactions with people, along with your observations of events. Oh, and this is minor. I never heard of Mohican hair before, knowing it as Mohawk hair. (I work on a Mohawk reserve here in Canada.) I wish you the best with this work and your future travels.

Michael
The Last Coming Out Story

Hi Jeremy, I could start off by pointing out small things I found that would let you know that I read this. I'm not sure, but it seems to me that Brits and others spell tire, tyre. So it's not really a big deal to say it. I noticed that color was spelled colour in a later chapter, but again it might just be my limited education makeing an appearence. I too have traveled the world, it's jungles and oceans, but have stopped short of giving the deserts a go. Here you don't make it actractive, but interesting. You write wonderfully and I loved the style of your story. I think we have much in common, but i'm getting too old to even consider what you've done. You should do Everest and write an equally entertaining account of that journey. I've read many, but you could really do it justice. If you expect me to rip this to shreads, i'm sorry to disappoint. I like this very much and as a reader enjoyed it very much. I'm learning from my time here that my opinions count very little, but I will continue to give my honest responce to the books I read. Sorry it took so long, I spend a little more time on each than most. Good luck with your bid to reach to Ed. Kennesaw

Dear Adventurer
Having read through Chapter 1, as is my custom, I find your story fascinating. Not that I ever wanted to travel through theSahara or know the Touareg people. I too heard of their formidable reputation. Your book will certainly change my preconceived notions. I am going to shelve it and read on at every chance I get.
I have only one small negative comment, and that is the overuse of the word "had." In some places it's justified but most of the time it simply slows the immediacy of the story. We know you've already finished the trip but I for one would like to see it presented as if it were happening as I read. A short read-through on your part should easily spot and change such "instrusions". I wish you well with this. Everyone writes mysteries, including myself, mostly because of courage to actually go out and experience "life" for ourselves. You are to be congratulated and I hope some daring publisher will realize their is a place for your experiences. Good luck.
As Authonlmy runs on comments and recommendations, I would appreciate your giving my book a few moments of your time. Prides Crossing, I'm sorry to say, is a mystery story but it also explores the tangled lives of the Rothbury family through four generations of "real" people. It is set in Newport and Portsmough, RI, a background which I know well, having been born there and, if I may brag, all of the comments have been more than a hopeful author has any right to expect. (Of course I believe them!.) Thank you so much for writing your book for us armchair travelers and for whatever you may care to say about mine. Edie

I didn’t have to read very far into this at all before I knew I was going to back it. I’ll tell you what did it for me. Firstly, the pitch. There aren’t that many memoirs on Authonomy and none as adventurous as this. Secondly, the first two paragraphs. This isn’t an ordinary Authonomy text. It’s a clarion call, and a text of a sort that’s vastly more urgent than anything on here, including mine. In conscience - and in fact - if someone was to come to me now and say, “Dr Verrill, I can only back one novel; should I back yours or should I back Amongst the Touareg?” I’d have to advise them to back yours.

Incidentally, I’m one of the few people who can honestly claim to have read Seven Pillars of Wisdom cover to cover. Yours strikes me as equally important, but for a different reason. Lawrence’s was about the past, it was a memoir. Yours is about the future, it’s a plea. God help me, I have no option but to bookshelf this.

jeremy, before we start, a few typos/nitpicks

ch 1 : sown - not sewn
handed down - rather than handed to them
ch 2 : a trait shared.... as a means.... - could this sentence work better with a little rearrangement?
ungainly - you use it a couple of times. in ch 2 it does not sit easily with the noun
each with their distinct habits and customs - not each other's

now my feelings about your writing. i don't know whether your phenomenal history of travelling has a spiritual aspect to it but it certainly lured me as a metaphor at least for my own spiritual journey. i found it a terrifically exciting read because it outlines for us all such vitally (sic) important truths about life on earth.

the freedom is inherent in the hardness of their living. we may not now save the distinct culture of these people or of other worlds but we still have the option of our own vocation wherever that may be.

i can see that this traveller's tales will be important for everyone to read. indeed in chapter two the giddiness you describe in the getting lost, the excitement of the helplessness of the coming up against the vastness of the environment reminds me of many spiritual writings where the lostness and vastness is that of another dimension.
'simple denial, hardship and humility' - i would like to hear more in your text about what attracts you to these qualities.

i am so excited as i read your feelings about the industrial wastelands of East Germany and the call of the desert. i also have a great weakness for a particular type of landscape. do you know the beach at dungeness with the power stations, the shingle and the endless horizon... the wildness and the desolateness is overpoweringly attractive.

this books seems to point towards the utlimate abyss, the ultimate adventure....but meanwhile. sorry now i am burbling and not commenting. i'll pull myself together.

back to the book.

well, i've read what i can today and i just loved the overall feel, the beauty of your descriptions, the breathlessness of your excitement and so on. of course the book is on my shelf now.

you could improve the writing in the sense that the richness of your text is extremely dense. in chapters one and two alone there is enough material for a book and i am not sure you are doing justice to it all.

could we get off the camel for a moment in an oasis and look around....

xxx
maitreyi
BLOGSPOT
ps pls read BLOGSPOT as i am trying to keep my position in the charts and it gets harder all the time. however if you DO have a spiritual bent, you might enjoy the stories in The Search for Honey.

i thought i had read your book but i had only admired your photograph. today's the day!
maitreyi
BLOGSPOT

Dear Jeremy,


It embarrasses me that at the age of twenty seven I was still in nappies. Now I read about this bod crossing the Sahara on foot. I go down on one knee before you.

Good pitch. Informative. Just what the editor wants.

Tee-hee, Mali. My daughter used to fly there on Air Afrique for Anglo American who were opening up new mining operations. I thought the airline was called Aero Freak. Apt too, because they crashed on one of their landings. Ingrid used to fly in terror.

Timbuktu. Yes, I have a photograph of the place.

From your pitch and synopsis alone I can see you write exceptionally well.

Introduction. Heavyweight writing. Insightful too. Lovely use of language. Now I am thinking: Scholar.

The Lure of the Desert. This is a hell of an adventure. You were privileged. I want to know why they accepted you. Will read on. Highly accomplished writing.

Leg pull. You don’t own a Brough Superior do you?

Nice use of words, sir.

Secret Preparations. Likewise. Accolades to you.

Among The Touareg is enthusiastically on my bookshelf.

Very readable and about the best writing on Authonomy.


Go well with your writing. It can be hell. It can be fun.


Kind regards,



Pierre.

The Little Girl in the Fig Tree

Jeremy,
I love this story. I remember when I was a teenager, we went camping in the desert in central Oregon. I remember walking a ways away from camp and sitting on a rock during early morning and listening. There was complete and total silence. The desert has always been intriguing to me. I've read some things about the Sahara, about the heat blasted desert within the desert. I love your idea of getting lost and am reminded of the quote: "All who wander are not lost."
This is a wonderful story, one that I hope to come back and read the rest of. Happy to shelve this amazing book.
Jeff

Hello Jeremy, during my normal reading days (before Authonomy), I loved an occasional travel/adventure book; Michael Palin's escapades for example. I would certainly pick up yours, it has all the elements that satisfy that type of reading, and of course it has more, because it's focused and has some intrigue skilfully built in.
I'm looking forward to reading on, for now, it's on my shelf. All the best with it.
Michael

Good morning, Jeremy!

Welcome to the site. Non-fiction is not my first choice for a read, but I'm glad I took the time to read some of your adventure. This definitely is worth backing, and I'm pleased to do so. After I've had the chance to read more (in a quiet atmosphere... someone just turned the TV on behind me!) I'll comment in more detail.

Best wishes.

Karen

Jeremy,
This is now on my shelf.
Regards.
Pat.
Icaroz Rising

Now, this is the kind of adventure I like.
On my WL.
Pat

You write beautifully Jeremy.
Travel writing is my favourite 'read' and I think this is as good as anything I've read or listened to.
You handle your subject sympathetically and have a real feeling for the people.
No hesitation to put it on my shelf - this is just the sort of thing I actually BUY!
Good luck with it.
Alison

Yo Jeremy,
This is great stuff. You're taking the reader on a wonderful adventure. Your writing is strong, and you handle each scene well. Sufficent to say i'm backing you and i wish to see this do well on authonomy :-)

Regards,

Mark H
(The Ties That Bind)

Jeremy, this is such a fantastic adventure that you are describing. And I think that you write very well too. Shelved. Good luck!
Nillan
Blue-eyed in Luhya-land

Jeremy, this is such a fantastic adventure that you are describing. And I think that you write very well too. Shelved. Good luck!
Nillan
Blue-eyed in Luhya-land

Jeremy, this is such a fantastic adventure that you are describing. And I think that you write very well too. Shelved. Good luck!
Nillan
Blue-eyed in Luhya-land

Jeremy, this is such a fantastic adventure that you are describing. And I think that you write very well too. Shelved. Good luck!
Nillan
Blue-eyed in Luhya-land

This is a non-fiction book I'd buy in a heartbeat. I rarely buy non-fiction. I enjoyed the descriptions of the desert and your journey is amazing. Wow. Thank you for sharing and educating. It's taking a turn on my shelf.

A fascinating, literate and intelligent portrait of a people--and author, ;-) -- most of us have never met until now. I too would recommend a few more visuals to bring the place home to the armchair traveler, but it's still an exceptional journey. Well done, Jeremy! Shelved.

Cheers--
B.A.

Jeremy,

It's been w hile since I've looked at any non-fiction on this site, since many books tend to cover similar subjects, but yours is different, and I think worthy of attention even if only for that reason (which I suppose is THE most important reason non-fiction gets published). I hope you have great photos to go with the text.
Anyway, I found this easy to read and full of information. It's clear we're in the hands of someone who has researched the subject.
If I can make a small suggestion, I'd like more visuals - sights sounds and smells - just to give the reader a personal experience. I'd also move the first paragraph of chapter 2 to the place where the trek really starts. Currently, this is a small anchoring paragraph, which is then forgotten in an entire additional chapter of backstory.
Anyway, I'll shelve this for a bit, because I think it deserves to be looked at by an editor.

This is beautifuly written and your love of desert adventure is enough to make one want to pack up and start a journey never before dreamed of or even aware of. I wish it was on paper instead of seen through the glass eye of my computer screen. I shall certainly read all of it when it is introduced to the world.
Nothing negative to say, no suggestions to make.
Good luck.

Jan
THE COBRA AND THE MONGOOSE

“I had met Touareg in the towns of the Tassili N’Ajjer and the Ahaggar mountains where they had come to exchange goats, jewellery and silver for dates, nuts, matches and other provisions. But I was not content to see these mysterious people from afar. I had come to the Sahara to encounter these nomads... I had come to the Sahara to seek a life I had so craved: one of adventure and of escape.”

This is the summation of this well written book. Eschewing “Western life-style”where “aggressive advertising tells us we need trifling luxuries promising happiness and fulfilment in material solace.”, the author seeks instead “the life of men who interacted with the landscape, whose characteristics shaped and moulded the lives of the community, provided infinitely more interest.”

An educated read peppered with quotes about Alexander, T. E. Lawrence, The Foreign Legion etc. It also tells us things about Geography, History, Wildlife and more which just adds to the overall interest.

There is an attention to detail even in the smaller things and this brings the whole alive:

“Tea is a Touareg staple, but one is not permitted to drink more than three cups in a sitting. The process of making tea is an event in itself... A small pot is brewed on a fire, the flames fanned to make sure that it is as hot as it can be. The tea is strong, the pot half full with tea leaves. Once bubbling,...”

Plus the element of danger:

“There was a further complication. Due to high levels of banditry in the Algerian desert and the dangers of the Touareg rebellions in Niger and Mali, the Algerian government had forbidden foreigners from travelling in the desert.”

And always the central interest:

“At first the Touareg were weary of my presence. Why was I there? What did I want? One afternoon a tribal elder, his face twisted in disbelief asked what I sought with the Touareg. I told him that I sought knowledge and he paused. “And who funds your journeys?” he asked in broken French. “I do,” I replied.”

And eating camel? How could that not pique the interest, if not the palate?

And all the sights that we lesser mortals can only hope to read about in travel books written by the very few and dying breed of intrepid explorers such as this author:

“There were a few girls at the well watering their goats and washing their clothes. Bright garments fluttered in the wind and they giggled as they tried to disguise their nudity from us. My camels slurped at their troughs, muscling the goats out of the way and when they were finished I herded the moaning animals back to our fireplace where they could munch on the few trees nearby.”

I have many travel books on my real shelf from Marco Polo to Michael Palin and everything in between. This is as good as you could wish and if it were out now I would buy it. Backed.

You are clearly a well travelled writer and now you have taken us on one of your journeys. And what a pleasure it has been too. I was absorbed, interested and amazed at your writing. Beautiful descriptions of the desert shut out my very ordinary world for the time I was immersed in your book. You skillfully portrayed a life with very special people and then allowed us to join them, if only on paper. Good luck with this. Margaret (Candles in the Garden) Shelved of course!

Utterly fascinating! I'm captivated. I feel as though I am being treated to so many of my favorite topics: culture, geography, history, politics - all portrayed through your experiences with the Touareg. You have gone to a world unknown to so many of us and lived amongst its people - I thank you for sharing your story here. It's expertly and intimately told.

All the best,
Gemi

This is just spectacular. I really feel your emotion for these people. It felt in places like Shantaram - that third party description of wonder the writer had previously not experienced. It is packed with facts that are interesting and worth reading, without sounding like a textbook.

My only question would be whether you could break up some of the larger paragraphs? Feel free to ignore me entirely. You know what you are doing. Shelved. Will.

Hello Jeremy,

I am enjoying your wonderful adventure in the Sahara. Since I am merely an armchair traveler, I am impressed with your courage to pursue your bliss and risking your life to do so. Also deserts frighten me, so I feel that you are doubly brave.

I can only comment as a reader. And as a reader, I find this trek fascinating, including all the details of the clothing you wore, the company of the Tuareg men, the foods you ate and the obstacles you would soon face. Also I found the information about the camels of interests. I also wondered what role they played besides beasts of burden and food.

This is on my watch list until later this week, when I will add it to my shelf.

Good luck with it.

Patricia

Fascinating. I love the anti-globalization perspective. We hear about the problems of globalization almost daily, but so rarely from this sort of perspective. Every time I see the Masi or some other ancient culture on TV, I cringe a little. It's a bit like "The Gods Must Be Crazy".

One suggestion - chop that first paragraph and find a better place for it. It seems much like a conclusion rather than a beginning and I feel a bit like you're summing your POV up for us before we've even started. And the quote that follows makes a perfect, and extremely intriguing beginning. It poses a question without giving and answer, if that makes sense.

In any case. Fascinating and shelved.

(Glad to know the Touareg is more than just a Volkswagen)

What can I say that hasn't been said already? Fick me this is exhilarating if you'll pardon my French. It's enough to bring out the wanderlust in all of us. As a teenager I wanted to hitch around the world but I only got as far as the Black Forest. This makes any of my adventures seem like a trip to the newsagents for a packet of fags. Judith was right. This is brilliant.

You had me hooked in the first paragraphs. Your writing is extremely evocative and your obvious love and respect for the places you visited shines through in every sentence. So far what I've read is very interesting - and bearing in mind I have so far not been interested in deserts or nomadic people or, really, travel writing in general, that is a great achievement.

I would say that every now and then your style could use a little tightening up - a few more commas here and there. But that's just me being picky. I really hope you get this book published, it deserves it.
Xala

great , fascinating, opens a few doors in the mind, shelved, good luck with it.
freddie

Hi Jeremy,
Your pitch is very interesting and made me want to read your book - the subject matter appeals to me, I am very interested in the Native American Indians and from that I have developed an interest in peoples like them, who live a far simpler life and have a far greater respect for nature. You write well, this is quite an adventure. I can imagine the scenery as your descriptions are vivid and I am keen to follow you on your quest to find out more about these people. Great cover pic, this will draw people in. I feel that this is an important book that many should have the opportunity to read so I hope to see it published. Up on my revolving shelf!
Bests,
AnnabelleP
(Adelaide Short)

Hello Jeremy,
I greatly enjoyed this desert epic. It is in the grand tradition of bold adventurers such as Wilfred Thesiger, my favourite all-time travel writer. Your prose is an equal match for the grandeur of the desert landscape.
Shelved, and I wish you well with this.
Tony (Sirocco Express)

Jeremy, I am so into this. Saw your pic, and thought immediately of O'Toole, Shariffe and David Lean. You bring so much stuff to my mind. So brave. Bet you're a Sagitarrian. You make me wanna get off my fat arse. You do! All power to you, mate And write more, more, more! I'm sure you will. Equally sure I'll be seeing you in Borders.

James

Thank you for writing this. I remember reading a few texts about the Touareg as I was growing up, but never heard anything about them since. It’s great that you’ve chosen to tell the world about their culture. More importantly, you bring up an incredibly important issue: so much of the world’s cultures, communities and languages disappear by the day. I know the UN and other NGOs have setup organizations to help these communities survive but not enough is being done about it, so messages like yours should be heard a lot more loudly. On my shelf and good luck.

Hi Jeremy.

Gripping tag line and smouldering photo. Your voice is confident and conveys informative facts with ease. You do well with establishing the significance of the Sahara. Your opinions are more contemplative than the startling quotes you incorporate. Thank you for telling the different spellings. I get confused when one word as simple as Roma has more than one way of being expressed, yes I know it's Italian but I didn't realize each language had it's own spelling for famous cities. Your descriptions of the desert are sensuous and brooding. Excellent with stating the dangers for anyone who does't have a clear image of the conditions. Great timing with backstory or your travel experience. It humannized you and made it even more credible you would hitch a camel and cross a desert. Referencing TE Lawrence allows even the least knoweldgeable person to relate to the setting. Intriguing descriptions. A noteworthy comment includes that one will surely die from thrist, starvation, the heat or muder. Great ending to chpater 2 with the advice not to go. You establish a great adventure is guaranteed.

On my shelf. Good luck.

Janet Marie - Spirit Prisoners.

Dear Jeremy, your account of life Amongst The Touareg is fascinating, and the resources and gumption to bring off such an encounter massively creditable. Many thanks, Andrew.

I am hooked... but I expected to be starting with Lawrence, Thesiger and my interest in Arab horses which led me to research into the breeding, pedigrees, and poetry around them aroused my admirationfor the people wh o lived and thrived in such a harsh envirionment. the small jealously guarded genetic pool of these admirable horses enbled us to found the british thoroughbred and to breed true over here.

Your writing is impeccable and runs smoothly along. The fact that you experienced what is left of the orginal lifestyle and met people fills me with envy and admiration. I want to keep thisbook for its interest to me and for a historical record I am so glad I found it.

My secret impossible dream is to hunt with a saluki at my side a hawk on my wrist ona pure bred arab across the desert...

You may appeal to a niche market but so what niche people need books too - if you se what I mean... Marion