Granta magazine have taken it upon themselves to publish my recollection of northern Iraq at the end of the 1990s, entitled Fly Away Home. It’s a long while since I thought about Iraq, but now that it’s in my forebrain I’m writing another piece, this one about suicidal gypsies in Baghdad. Enjoy this one, and spread the word…
What a great piece in Granta. Are you going to publish a collection? I’d buy it! My friend Neil’s book on the Middle East is coming out soon — also a collection of writings from over the years. Love the Blossom Dearie clip!
I look forward to hearing more about the suicidal gypsies! I liked your piece, and your ending stuck me as particularly true, in terms of feeling very out of place sometimes in strange places! keep up the great writing and look forward to reading more.