Review: And Then All Hell Broke Loose: Two Decades in the Middle East by Richard Engel

Title: And Then All Hell Broke Loose: Two Decades in the Middle East
Author: Richard Engel
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication Date: February 9, 2016
Edition: Hardcover (256 pages)

And Then All Hell Broke Loose: Two Decades in the Middle East by Richard Engel

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


From the age of thirteen Richard Engel wanted to be a news reporter. After graduating from Stanford University, he went to the Middle East and has spent two decades there reporting the news as a freelance reporter, network correspondent and Bureau Chief. This book chronicles his experiences.

I found this book riveting, not only because of the dangers he faced, almost continually, at times, but also because he details how various events unfolded in that region of the world. I now have a clearer understanding of these events, especially following the 9/11 attacks, the war in Afghanistan and the war in Iraq. It is one thing to watch press briefings and official statements, but quite another to have the events shared by someone on the front lines who has lived and worked in the region for so long. I have followed his reporting for many years, but this book brought to light how dangerous a journalist's life can be, and the personal sacrifices often required of those who cover the news and their families.

One cannot read this book without experiencing all sorts of emotions, no matter your religious beliefs or political ideology. For me, it was a difficult read from that perspective. But, perhaps, this book can also serve to educate and provide a reality check as well.