A Life Unveiled - Review

About the Book 

People’s life experiences may be as wide-ranging as their physical appearances. When people ask Razi Azmi “Where are you from?” he takes a deep breath, wondering whether to reply with one word or ask, “How much do you want to know?” From his childhood encounters with “son of the soil” syndrome and the creation of new nations and states under his feet, the story of Azmi’s eventful, peripatetic life will transport the reader over seven decades across many cultures and countries spanning five continents. The author’s youthful immersion into revolutionary activity ends in personal tragedy and his wanderlust takes him to places others avoid. While his freethinking ways land him into a KGB honey trap in Soviet Russia, his precocity averts a CIA attempt to recruit him as an “asset” in Morocco. From rural Bangladesh to the charged immigration desk of Australia’s busiest airport, Azmi’s gift for anecdotes brings to life his many encounters with students, colleagues, and strangers, both friendly and deceitful, and raises important questions about human nature, personal identity, and patriotic delusion.

My Thoughts

 “Where are you from?”

— “How much do you want to know?”

What an incredible solo adventure! I enjoyed reading this travel memoir immensely. Razi Azmi touched on my favorite travel subjects: history, culture, and diversity. The writing was fluid, occasionally hilarious, and other times emotional and honest. I simply wanted it to go on forever! I was hoping for another 200 pages; perhaps a second volume will include additional details about his travels. I'm confident it will motivate people to travel and look for adventure. The world would be a better place if more individuals travelled and learned from their experiences like Razi Azmi did.

The author's accounts of what he discovers, finds, and reflects upon are fascinating, true, and inspiring. The author's early involvement in revolutionary activities ends in personal tragedy, and his wanderlust causes him to visit areas that other people would stay away from. This book inspired me to do more, to experience more, to live more, to travel more.

To conclude, a fascinating, well researched, and at times shocking travel memoir detailing the cultural, social, and historical workings behind observations made while traveling over seven decades across 96 different countries of 5 continents. A recommended read for any traveler or backpacker who has been or plans on going to that region of the world.