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To Beirut and Back: An American in the Middle East

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In " To Beirut And Back: An American in the Middle East " by author Abe March I was taken back to a time when, even though freedom was granted to those here in the United States without question, it was difficult being an American business man in a foreign country. Back in the 1970's, many who lived and did business abroad were not immediately concerned about the threat of violence, even though it was around them. When the major violence did break out in the Middle East many fled-except March. He stood his ground. I found the personal account of the trials March and his family faced during the Lebanese Civil War heart wrenching. Now, however, when one goes abroad-especially the Middle East-they are on guard. March risked not only material possessions, but most importantly, his life-not knowing what or having reason to fear what he was walking into. This book is most recommended, not only for its inside look into a tumultuous time in our history, but for its "edge of your seat" effect. Allow Mr. March to take you inside his personal account of his life in "To Beirut and Back".

Candice M. Martin
"Reflections In My Tears" &
"Petals of Life: A Survivor's Writings"

To Beirut and Back: An American in the Middle East, by Abe F. March, is a fast-paced book wherein we discover Abe's inquiring mind and adventurous spirit prove that truth is far more interesting and exciting than fiction. If you think the cosmetic business and adventure don't mix, think again!

I have seldom read a book in which every page is filled with adventure, risk, warmth, passion for achieving a goal, and courage in the face of adversity. March's endless adventures in the cosmetic industry when starting and running a business in the Middle East were enhanced by learning more about the mentality of the people and their culture.

Finding the Lebanese people to be merchants and not warriors was fortunate; nevertheless, when warring conditions began to escalate among various factions resulting in Abe being shot at and even at one point kidnapped, he was forced to return to the USA until things quieted down. Not to be left behind, when the situation changed, Abe would travel once more to Beirut, but soon would have to leave again.

I highly recommend reading "To Beirut and Back" to gain a better understanding of what he experienced in the Middle East, and to help one comprehend some of what is happening today.

"All life is a preparation for something that probably will never happen"
was written by William Butler Yeats. "Unless you make it happen" could have been said by Abe F. March.

In To Beirut and Back, Abe March has told a true story of his adventures in the various places of the world he has lived. Anyone interested in what it is like for Americans who venture past our borders to live and work in other countries, especially the Middle East, will find this an informative and important book. I recently read a book where the author wrote of the importance of obtaining the points of views of businessmen, not only political leaders regarding life in other countries. Abe paints a vivid portrayal of life in Lebanon. He writes an excellent account of the Lebanese Civil War in 1975 with such description that one can clearly imagine and feel the bullets as they are fired at him, his despair at losing all he worked for, and the fear he felt for his family and himself. The sadness on Abe's return to Beirut and his feelings towards his final time of leaving, show his fondness for the country of Lebanon and the problems preventing this beautiful country from ongoing peace.

Having met this author, I was impressed by his confidence, determination and his entrepreneurial successes. His travels have influenced his viewpoints of life, which involve looking at the United States from the inside as well as outside. What comes out in his writing is his spirit of adventure and his ability to take risks with calculation and success.

I asked about the conversations, and he said he felt they were almost completely accurate, that his memories of what the people in his life had said were vivid, pointing to the importance of his writing of his experiences.

In the end of the book he speaks of walking along the sea in Lebanon, of the fishing boats and swimmers splashing in the surf, "as this magic spell possessed me." He asks what would happen to the Lebanon he had come to love. He speaks throughout the book of his concerns for the Middle East and its future.

I would highly recommend this book as a picture of a beautiful country that leaves the reader with admiration for its citizens, as well as a sense of concern regarding the results of ongoing strife.

Abraham Firestone March, author of "To Beirut and Back", had a vision. At thirty years old, with determination in his heart, he would settle for nothing less than his dream.

A simple dream he had, but one that would be costly. He wanted to answer to no man but himself in his pursuit of financial security for him and his family.

In the late sixties, he worked for IBM for a good wage, but the doldrums of the job did not satisfy him. He soon tired of the day-to-day sameness and desired more than his position could offer.

One chance meeting led him to a man who opened a whole new world for him. After some haggling with the miserly banks, Abe managed to get a loan for the $2500 start-up fee that would pave the road to his later success.

Working at his home base in the United States, and later Canada, Abe flourished in the cosmetic industry. He made more money than was ever possible at his old job, and was pleased that he could provide for his wife and children in the manner they deserved. Still, times were not always easy for him. There were some who were so full of greed; they took advantage of him and other hapless souls who had invested good money into his venture.

When it looked as if things might fall apart, another chance meeting would lead him to Lebanon. He had business sense on this new venture, but soon realized he needed much more than this to succeed in the Middle East. Things were much different in this culture, and came with a whole new mentality. Abe learned through the school of "Middle Eastern" hard knocks, and with time, his enterprise earned him millions of honest made dollars.

Abe reveled in his new livelihood and was proud of what he had accomplished. In those days, even through difficulties, he never gave up on his dream for continued success.

About the time when he thought he could settle down and rest, and enjoy his benefits, the Civil War came to Lebanon. At first, he thought that it just might blow over, but of course, it did not. It was no longer his income that mattered so much. The safety of his beloved family became paramount, and he was at a loss as how to hold it all together.

He saw his income and assets drift away as the gunfire increased. It became a life or death situation even to venture outdoors, and at night the constant barrage of artillery their lullaby. Food and water were scarce; the comforts they were used to were no more. He decided it was time for his family to leave the danger of the country that the March family had come to love. There was only one problem; he no longer had even enough money to escape. With a heavy heart and humiliation as his companion, he borrowed enough money to see his children safely out of the war-torn country. It was then that he reached his ultimate low. He came to a point when he thought dying might be the only saving grace of his family. He had not even enough money to take him or his wife to the shelter of another country.

Finally, through much red tape, Abe and his wife were able to travel back to the United States. His return only brought more humiliation. He was not back to square one, he was much worse off than that.

With nothing left to his name but hope, he did not lose sight of the man he had become, nor the dream that he had carried within for many years. The lure of his beloved land called to him, loud and true. It was a plea he could not ignore.

He left the sanctuary of the United States once again to return to the Middle East.

Would Abe be able to realize his dream for a second time, or would fortune be a thing of long past?



Abe March has written a breathtaking story with perfected accuracy. The story of his years as an entrepreneur draws the reader in and takes immediate claim to their senses. The courage of this man and his family is awe-inspiring. He pays loving homage to his wife, a woman who thought little of her own well-being to stay by his side, and also to his children who made sacrifices of their own to see their father through those bitter times. This is a remarkable biography in every sense of the word. Kudos to you, for a job well done!

I am only left with one question-when is the movie coming out?



Meloni Cassidy

Author of Everlasting Journey

To Beirut and Back is a very personal account of the author's experiences doing business - and living - abroad during the turbulent 70's: in the US, Canada, Germany, Greece during the dictatorship of Papadopoulos, and the Middle East just before and at the outbreak of the Lebanese Civil War. Mr. March also captures the sense of larger events surrounding him which had a real impact on his private life. This book serves to remind one that "no man is an island."