Every man in this village is a liar: flash review

Over the last decade, Megan Stack has covered the Middle East as a correspondent for the LA Times. Her book, Every Man in this Village is a Liar is a harrowing, heartfelt and insightful account of her experiences during this period. As the title suggests she observes events through a feminist lens, but in addition her assessment of the unfolding situation factors in the long chequered history, cruel climate and undeniably complex geography of the region. Though a harsh judge of local rulers and despots, she concludes her own government is if not culpable, complicit in an increasingly desperate and misguided series of wars/state of warring. Giving voice to some of the most marginalised in the world, and demonstrating the myriad obstacles they face makes for confronting reading. But Megan Stack’s measured and honest story telling prevents detachment, instead reinforcing the necessity to question blind support of policies which have a devastating and often hidden, human toll. It’s only when aware of all the horrors and hypocrisy in the world that we realise the importance of our small individual freedoms. We should not only appreciate, but exercise those freedoms. This was easily my book of 2010. I highly recommend you read it.