Rating: 
Summary: An excellent biography; reads like a novel
Review: A fascinating book, especially in the light of the current activity in Iraq and the rest of the Middle East. Many of the observations she makes about the culture, the great religious divides, and the inclination of the West to intervene to try to provide stability and leadership in the region are as true today as they were in the 1920s and 30s. The rifts that exist between the various Muslim sects have histories that date back hundreds of years, and are the same ones that continue to cause so much tension today. Besides the historical content, it is entertaining and inspiring to read about Ms. Stark, a woman who despite her insecurities, unconventional upbringing, and lack of formal education, went on to become a leading expert and advisor on Middle Eastern affairs. Better than fiction...it is all true!
Rating: 
Summary: One of the most biased, unsympathetic biographies written!
Review: Although this book may seem to start out slowly for those eager to read of Stark's adventures, the background on her upbringing sets the stage for her psyche and actions. She develops as a paradox of insecurity and bravery. Her travels are amazing (especially in context of the times) and contributions are numerous (geographical, political, etc.) There are ample facts but enough tidbits to keep the account human. The inserts of Stark's own writings reveal her intelligence and wit. They also peak interest in her own books, including her autobiography.
Rating: 
Summary: A gem of a book!
Review: As a lover of biographies, I became interested in this book up after reading a positive review from Modern Library. What could be more interesting than to read about a woman ahead of her time, fearless, captivating, smart and daring? Dame Freya Stark was all of these things, as well as a little "difficult".Drowning in the despair of a dead-end future and smarting after a broken engagement, Freya decides to embark on a journey to the Middle East and from that moment establishes the course of an adventurous and remarkable life. Having studied Arabic and arming herself with as much knowledge as possible about the people she is going to visit, Freya sets out to explore the mysteries of an often misunderstood people. Often with little else than a donkey and one guide, Freya would visit the remotest, most dangerous places of countries like Yemen and Iraq in search of lost civilizations and ancient ruins. Braving illnesses and occassional mishaps, her attempts prove fruitful as she is able to test the accuracy of British maps; and in proving herself a talented writer of her experiences, she is honored by the Royal Geographic Society. In time her successes win her the respect of both East and West and she becomes a hailed celebrity in her native Great Britain. Leading a colorful life while making and breaking friendships, Freya is eventually given work with the British Foreign Service during World War II and manages to establish a successful pro-British propoganda organization in the Middle East. Having proven herself an invaluable asset to her country, Ms. Stark is eventually knighted by Queen Elizabeth. Author Jane Fletcher Geniesse writes an honest account of this great traveler, neither glorifying or demonizing her. We are allowed to see Dame Freya as she truly is: a remarkable woman with all the quirks that make her human. Reading this book was an absolute pleasure and how wonderful to learn about such a courageous woman who did whatever the hell she pleased! To borrow from reviewer Jim Lehrer, "Passionate Nomad is a work of nonfiction that reads and sings with the drama and life of a fine novel".
Rating:
Summary: PASSIONATE BIOGRAPHY
Review: Explorer, eccentric, agent provocateur, and travel writer, Freya Stark first ventured into the Middle Eastern societies under British mandate during the 1920s, which led to a lifelong love for the Arab people and their culture. The published accounts of her exploits and observations made this mysterious region intellectually and emotionally accessible to both European scholars and casual readers. When she died in 1993 at age 100, she left a remarkable legacy as perhaps the last of the great adventuresses. In this insightful biography, former New York Times reporter Geniesse looks behind the legend to uncover the factors that molded her personality. Raised in a dysfunctional family by a controlling mother, Stark fretted about her physical failings and lack of higher formal education. Her need for freedom and attention contributed to her risk-taking, while her fear of rejection led to impetuous and disastrous personal relationships. Although more analysis of her writings would have enhanced this work, it is still a notable effort. Recommended for public and academic libraries
Rating:
Summary: Superb life of a true romantic!
Review: Having read Molly Izzard's biography of Freya Stark,which was without doubt the worst book I've ever read,I was delighted to read this incredible book about an incredible person.The author is to be congratulated for bringing Freya to life.My imagination is fired and I want to be off to a long gone world!
Rating:
Summary: PASSIONATE BIOGRAPHY
Review: I read about PASSIONATE NOMADE in a book catalog and thought it might be interesting to read, so I checked it out of the library. Fify pages into it, I returned it to the library and bought my own copy. Freya Stark was a very intelligent and very gusty lady, one I would have loved to have known. Although her exciting travels in the Middle East brought her fame and recognition, her personal life was fully of pain and insecurity. Jane Geniesse has written an incredible biography of an incredible woman. An unexpected bonus of this book is the understanding it has given me of the 20th century history and culture of the Middle East. With my son currently stationed in Iraq, the insights this book has given me are especially revelant.
Rating:
Summary: Passionate Nomad: The Life of Freya Stark.
Review: In a captivating book about one of the great English-language interpreters of the Middle East, Geniesse (a novelist and former New York Times reporter) draws on the huge and expressive bulk of Freya Stark's letters to paint a personal and professional portrait of rare accomplishment. Stark (1893-1993) lived a tumultuous, semi-privileged, and constricting early life, which she broke out of by learning Arabic and then in 1927 sailing off to Lebanon. She quickly found her double vocation, as intrepid explorer and eloquent letter-writer, then pursued and built on these skills through two glorious decades, achieving best-sellerdom, fame, and the company of the high and mighty. During the war years she even acquired a modicum of political influence. (That said, Stark's one sustained political effort, a British government-sponsored speaking tour to the United States in 1943-44, was a disaster, with her anti-Zionist message finding much attention but very little sympathy and she, late of Persia and the Hadramaut, finding little in turn to charm her in America's modernity.) But if her public life was a roaring success, the private life was notably less so. Two amusing chapters concern the "three foolish virgins" (about an episode in 1937-38, when Stark and two female scholars went off to Yemen) and her only marriage (at age 54) to a man who very soon after the wedding revealed his homosexuality (or rather, she could no longer pretend not to see it). In general, with the advancement of Stark's career, her biography becomes more interesting. But early or late, the evocation of a world only sixty years back but so removed from ours in its rhythms and its concerns - with the intense letter writing, the extended visits to country houses, and the imperatives of empire - will keep the attention of every reader. Middle East Quarterly, December 1999
Rating: 
Summary: There ought to be a law
Review: There ought to be a law against an author writing a biography of a person whom she doesn't really like, respect, or understand. According to Geniesse, Freya Stark was a homely, erratic opportunist who could never commit herself to a loving relationship. The only good thing I have to say for this book is that it has encouraged me to read Freya's own words. Having started now with "The Valley of the Assassins," I now see how utterly Geniesse missed Freya's humor, compassion, and intellect. If you're interested in the life of an incredibly perceptive, funny, and courageous adventurer, and would like to learn something about what the Middle East was like a generation or two ago, my own recommendation would be to give this book a miss and head straight for Freya Stark's own writings.
Rating:
Summary: There ought to be a law
Review: There ought to be a law against an author writing a biography of a person whom she doesn't really like, respect, or understand. According to Geniesse, Freya Stark was a homely, erratic opportunist who could never commit herself to a loving relationship. The only good thing I have to say for this book is that it has encouraged me to read Freya's own words. Having started now with "The Valley of the Assassins," I now see how utterly Geniesse missed Freya's humor, compassion, and intellect. If you're interested in the life of an incredibly perceptive, funny, and courageous adventurer, and would like to learn something about what the Middle East was like a generation or two ago, my own recommendation would be to give this book a miss and head straight for Freya Stark's own writings.
Rating:
Summary: Great writing about a great woman
Review: This book is for anyone who loves adventure, different cultures, exciting and interesting characters, and history. I had never even heard of Freya Stark before stumbling upon a recommendation for this book. I started it with some uncertainty, but soon I couldn't put it down. The author has done a wonderful job of presenting the life of this fascinating woman in the context of the times. I learned so much about the history of the Middle East and have a little bit better understanding of the many complexities facing that area today.
I loved the writing syle, the pictures, and the use of quotes from Stark's writing as chapter headers (several I have copied to keep on file). This book is definitely readable, informative, entertaining, and has lead me to explore Stark's own writings as well as information about the many individuals who appear in the book (such as Gertrude Bell).
The only annoying element of this book was the author's focus on Stark's appearance. Apparently, however, this was a huge concern for Stark herself, but by looking at her pictures, she certainly was not that unattractive. And her smile is delightful.
I thank the Amazon reader who lead me to this book. I highly recommend it as well.
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