Fascinating. Absolutely fascinating.

Such an interesting woman, who lived a full life, and worked for a cause she was utterly passionate about. She got herself into and out of many scrapes, had more than a couple near-death experiences, and worked tirelessly to bring about Arab independence after WWI. Respected by Arab sheiks and Members of Parliament... took off her skirts to climb the Alps... heartbreaking love stories... travel into the deep desert... the book has it all, and at the heart of it a strong willed woman.

The icing on the cake, and one of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much is Georgina Howell's style of writing and how she eloquently and elegantly brings Gertrude Bell's story to life.

If you read one book about Gertrude Bell, make it this one.