Gertrude might be a new hero for me. Woman was awesome! But not only that, her life story is still so relevant. It was fascinating to learn about how the Middle East was shaped in the years during and following the first world war through the eyes of a women, perhaps one of the few people ever, most qualified to explain it. Slightly disheartening to to see the problems she tried to show were brewing even then but also that she tried adored that part of the world and through her wonder and knowledge, I feel like I know it a little better now too. Kudos to Howell for writing a biography that captures so well Gertrude's own voice and story.

The author clearly put a great deal of time into researching Bell's life, and yet completely diminished her accomplishments by couching her story in gossip and speculation. Yes, a number of Bell's opportunities arose because of her privileged background, but somehow this disjointed narrative's focus on her wardrobe, home decor, and social life misses the mark in its failure to connect her achievements to their context in a meaningful way. Only rarely do I contemplate not finishing a book, no matter how tedious I find it, so I convinced myself to stay with this one in the hopes that it would gain some focus as it progressed towards Bell's role in establishing the Iraqi state. Even then the author seemed to dwell more on interpersonal drama rather than demonstrating a genuine understanding of regional politics and culture.

Such a fascinating and intelligent woman in her time or ours certainly deserved better. A disappointment...

Library paperback

I would have gladly given this book 4 stars if it weren't for the organization of some of the story and the repeated insistence of "but Gertrude was very feminine". As if only masculine women aka not real women, would be interested in adventure. Some of the chapters were focused on particular people in Gertrude's life. The chapter would cover the entire time frame that person was relevant. Then in the next chapter you might back up 15 years to start back with Gertrude.

A very detailed and comprehensive biography of Gertrude Bell. If anything, this book suffers from too much detail. Whole slabs are devoted to explaining politics that are relevant to Gertrude's career but where she's not directly involved. It wavers from a glowing history of the woman herself to an analysis of the political situation in Mesopotamia (later Iraq) as well as tribal politics and custom. All interesting but it made it a dense read at times.

I rarely read straight biography and I will be changing that after reading about this incredible woman. How could she be so incredible? She is a marvel. Read this just to be blown away and to be proud of what a human can be.

And that then is my reason for connecting this review with that of Gertrude Bell’s biography. For indeed, how do you begin a biography? Especially with a woman who has lived such a life? A woman who once used to be more famous than T.E. Lawrence (who was a good friend actually), who travelled the Middle East, at a time when women rode side saddle (she had an apron sort of garment made to cover her pants), who climbed mountains (taking off her skirt to do so!), who was daring and brave and adventurous – at a time when women tended to keep to the home.

“Constrained and compartmentalised at home, in the East Gertrude became her own person.”

Howell does a great job piecing together her life, from letters, from other accounts of her, from the many works Bell wrote, essentially to figure out:

“By what evolution did a female descendent of Cumbrian sheep farmers become, in her time, the most influential figure in the Middle East?”

A gung-ho spirit, a fierce determination, wit and charm helps. As does knowing the right people! If you’re in the mood for a biography, may I suggest this one. Gertrude Bell, she astounds me.

fascinating woman, engaging read!!