TRAVERSE Issue 10 - February 2019 | Page 126

BOOK REVIEWS Revolutionary Ride Lois Pryce 2017 R "The rough and the smooth had equal billing in the hearts of the Iranians and every emotional response was laid bare. I suspect this was the true essence of being human, but also I feared it would take a while for my uptight British soul to as- similate, if it ever could." Lois Pryce delves into a country that many in the west fear, and loath with the slightest understanding of the history, cul- ture or people. It's a dilemma that has plagued the West since at least 1979. Through a 5000 kilometre ride, as a female, on her own, and perhaps not 100% legal Lois discovers there's much more to this unique country, this unique land, this unique people than what the mainstream Western media would have you believe. Through a series of chance meetings, Lois finds that the Irani- an people have the same problems as the West yet have found very different ways to deal with the situation. Something we could learn from? The friendly, kind hearted Iranians teach her that it's their way and perhaps we don't need to understand how they live, we should just accept it. Who are the West to tell others how to live? Revolutionary Ride is an outstanding read as Lois is quick to recognise her ignorance, openly admits it, and does some- thing about it. She writes as she lives, opening her eyes and ours to what is to be experienced, the reader is given an open and honest lesson in to what it means to be Iranian, to be proud, to love, live and laugh. Through Revolutionary Ride, Lois gives the reader an ap- preciation of the history, the present and the future of the country that is Iran. It's a must read for anyone wanting to travel to the unique country, a must read for anyone who has a negative impression of Iran, a must read for anyone who is inspired to ride a motor- cycle to somewhere 'differ- ent'. Revolutionary Ride is the Real Iran ... E TRAVERSE 126 V