Allah's Garden: A True Story of a Forgotten War in the Sahara Desert of Morocco [Paperback]

Thomas Hollowell (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"[Allah's Garden] is a sad reminder of the cost of war in Western Sahara.... Hollowell's powerful narrative...is an excellent account of a humanitarian disaster...." -- James Sater, author of Morocco: Challenges to Tradition and Modernity

"Hollowell deserves kudos.... There are many reasons to read Allah's Garden: It's a fast-paced and well-written adventure story with few equals, especially as it's true. The warmth of the regard between author and subject is a palpable presence, effusing the reading experience with a tenderness uncommon in such stories...bringing readers more global awareness." -- New Spirit Journal

"Allah's Garden...uses many strategies that make a war tale both gripping and bearable. The build of tension...is well extended, keeping the reader on chair-edge. With an exquisite sense of balance, Hollowell manages to tell everything without tarrying too lengthily in gory or painful details. The book is a tour de force of blending authenticity with grace and taste." -- North West Prime Time

"[Allah's Garden] is a harrowing tale of the fate of more than 1700 Moroccans held as POWs...[it] is told with great sensitivity." -- Helen Ranger, author of Fez Encounter (Lonely Planet)

"A real page-turner... very psychologically astute. The images stick with the reader well beyond the pages." -- Café du Livre, Morocco

"[The main character] could be a tragic figure, given the suffering, but due to his persistence, kindness, and courage, this is an inspiring book." -- Ariele Huff, Seattle-based columnist & editor

ABOUT THE BOOK:
A former volunteer's riveting story of dire hardship, faith, and human courage, Allah's Garden focuses on a Moroccan doctor's 25-year imprisonment in the Sahara interwoven with the author's own adventures (and misadventures) in Morocco. For those who are traveling to Morocco and/or those who want to learn a little more about the country, its history, culture, politics, amazing destinations, and contrasting landscapes all combined into an unforgettable narrative, this book delivers.

About the Author

Hailing from Hoosier land (Indiana) and residing in Morocco, North Africa, Thomas Hollowell is the author of Allah's Garden, a true account of a Moroccan doctor held for 25 years in the Sahara Desert. Traveling well over 35 countries and territories, Thomas Hollowell continues to deliver engaging stories from across the globe to his readership.

Also by Thomas Hollowell: "The Everything Travel Guide to Ireland"

Product Details

• Paperback: 198 pages
• Publisher: Tales Press; 1 edition (March 10, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964142392
• ISBN-13: 978-0964142398
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #590,465 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #37 in Books > History > Africa > Morocco

More About the Author

Thomas Hollowell is the author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Barefoot Running" along with "Allah's Garden: A True Story of a Forgotten War in the Sahara Desert of Morocco," and "The Everything Travel Guide to Ireland." Happy reading!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Touching Story of Survival and the Indomitable Human Spirit, May 7, 2009

By 

Sherice Jacob "Web Designer, Copywriter & Author" (Charleston, WV USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Allah's Garden: A True Story of a Forgotten War in the Sahara Desert of Morocco (Paperback)

Right from the start, Allah's Garden will pull you in on an unforgettable journey. From the author's introduction to Morocco through the Peace Corps through Azzedine's tortured story and eventual release, Allah's Garden will keep you involved with a stirring story until the end. A must read for anyone interested in this fascinating country, its people, and the tumultuous history they've overcome.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Balanced View, June 22, 2009

By 

Ariele M. Huff "of http://ariele.freeservers.... (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Allah's Garden: A True Story of a Forgotten War in the Sahara Desert of Morocco (Paperback)

As I read Allah's Garden, I was struck by how balanced the narrative remained. Of course, the story of one of the longest held POWs in history is dramatic, but the telling gives a fairhanded treatment to all. This book exemplifies a blend of clear-eyed fact and fast paced action. I recommend it as a way to gain insight into the motivations and conditions in other parts of the world that often are little understood by Americans. A signicant contribution to the honest telling of a life story, Allah's Garden also sets the model for exploring circumstances that create wars and abuses of power.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT READ & GOOD TRAVEL LIT, April 11, 2009

By 

Karol Travel Bug (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Allah's Garden: A True Story of a Forgotten War in the Sahara Desert of Morocco (Paperback)

Before traveling to Morocco I purchased Allah's Garden. The story pulled me in from the start with Dr. Azeddine's capture. The book reads like a novel and I enjoyed the author's back story about his time and travels in the country. Overall, two-thumbs up and highly recommendable for those interested in Morocco, its culture, history, religion, all wrapped in an intriguing book.