Baghdad Letters: An American Couple in Iraq, 1966-67 [Paperback]

Jay Farrington (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 11, 2003

Baghdad Letters  is a collection of correspondence, journals and photographs compiled by a young couple from Texas in Iraq from September1966 to May 1967. From the book: Baghdad preferred professors with a Texas accent since the Iraqis had problems understanding the oil field personnel working there, most of whom were from places like Odessa, Texas. On the flight from London, I told a British soldier, 'I'm going to Baghdad to teach English.' He threw his head back and laughed, 'My God, you don't even SPEAK it!' he said. This isn't just a different culture, or even civilization. It is a different Time, a different world. In the desert at midnight we came upon a road block. An Iraqi soldier with a machine gun shined a light in our faces and filthy troops crowded around the car to look at us. 'Where you go?' 'Baghdad,' I said. 'La,' (No) he said, looking at Carole, 'You stay tonight with me.' I tried not to show the jolt of fear that went through me. But the women are getting college degrees, even going into engineering, I've heard- My students may be the first, and someday things may change.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

The Farringtons both grew up in rural environments in Texas. They were married in 1963. They went to Baghdad in the fall of 1966 and returned in the summer of 1967. In addition to Iraq, theyvisited and wrote about Kuwait, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt. Both hold Master's degrees, Jay's in English and Carole's in Theater. Carole wrote a three-act play, 'Third and Long,' for her Master's thesis and Jay hase-published a collection of non fiction stories called Little Rivers. Both Farringtons have had full careers teaching writing and literature at the post-secondary level. They agree that their time in the Middle East was one of the highlights of their lives. They have been partners for over forty years. They live and work in San Angelo, Texas.

Product Details

• Paperback: 204 pages
• Publisher: AuthorHouse (August 11, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1410763285
• ISBN-13: 978-1410763280
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,358,310 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What Iraqis Were Like BEFORE Saddam!, October 8, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Baghdad Letters: An American Couple in Iraq, 1966-67 (Hardcover)

Excellent read. If you have been wondering, like I have, will the Iraqi people have the ability to trancend Saddam and go forward, then this book is your bedside companion. It's 1966, the author and his wife, Texans, fresh from UT Austin on a Fullbright scholarship, journey to Bagdad. Along the way we are treated to visions of the time before Saddam and get to know the people as this not-too-worldly couple surround you with their impressions of the culture, the daily life, and the ordinary Iraqi's whom they encounter at every turn. Numerous incidents from this book lift it from the relm of mere travel tales into the distinct encounter of suspense. As you read, knowing what is going to happen, when the teacher chats so easily with his students, makes you wonder if they surivived, how they survived, and how Saddam has marked their lives. I only wish we could see these people today on their way to a better life. I couldn't put it down till I finished. I'm buying copies for Christmas presents.Impressive.