Review: The Poisoned Well: Empire and Its Legacy in the Middle East by Roger Hardy

Title: The Poisoned Well: Empire and Its Legacy in the Middle East
Author: Roger Hardy
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Publication Date: October 20, 2016
Edition: Hardcover (280 pages)

The Poisoned Well: Empire and Its Legacy in the Middle East by Roger Hardy

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


If you've ever wondered about the origin of and reasons for the continuing conflict in the Middle East, reading Roger Hardy's "The Poisoned Well: Empire and Its Legacy in the Middle East" will provide you with an excellent historical perspective. The region has had a history of conflict, which the author asserts, is rooted in colonial rule which was in place for generations.

I began reading this book with the assumption that the modern problems in the region are primarily based in religious differences. However, I soon learned the conflicts are much more complex than that, and when you read this book, you will see that the region has been exploited in so many way, by so many, and, especially by the western powers. It is a sad history, and yet the people have thrived, no thanks to broken promises and irresponsible actions of some.

I recommend this book to anyone who would like a better understanding of the people of problems of this region. I received an advance readers copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.