From a hectic bazaar in Delhi's old town to a carved wooden temple in Kathmandu's Durbar Square, Jason Smart discovers a wealth of colour amid the chaotic crowds of the Indian Subcontinent.
After some tea and biscuits with a Bangladeshi ambassador, he somehow manages to catch Delhi Belly before even setting foot in India. When he does eventually arrive, Jason is buzzed by fearsome insects, hassled by persistent touts and acquires a worrying 'fish eye' growth on his leg. Nonetheless, Jason never loses sight of the fact that his latest adventure is an eye-opener at every turn. From the majesty of the Taj Mahal to the lifeblood of a river running through central Dhaka, Crowds, Colour, Chaos is a travelogue covering four countries, each with their own unique identities.
Professional Reviews
The book title says it all
I just love these books by Jason smart.. know I am going to be in for a treat when a new one is released. Their travels this time take them to some of the most deprived areas you would want to visit.. or maybe not visit..
Poverty is all around the author and his wife and it must have been so hard not to give money to beggars who harassed them on a daily basis . They had to be alert to con men and got caught out a couple of times.
Jason tells it as it is ... He doesnt pull any punches . From the depths of utter poverty to the grandness of the Taj Mahal its all there . The smell of rotting veg on the streets to the guides who work for a pittance a day. from staying in a hotel to a hovel , its all there . I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book .
Reliving Delhi, and more!
A journey with Jason and Angela always makes me want to travel with them - or at least follow in their footsteps. A trip around the subcontinent without the discomforts therein was certainly appreciated. I recently returned from Delhi and Agra so enjoyed revisiting those cities although, Jason, we were told by our ornithologist guide that the birds were Black Kites not buzzards or vultures circling overhead! Now I want to visit Katmandu too!
I have enjoyed all his books.
I have enjoyed all his books. I find his explanation interesting, informative and entertaining
Expands beyond the safety of pages bound by predictability to explore and often confirm exciting creative possibilities. A shimmering collage of memoir, creative nonfiction, literary journalism, and dizzying flights into poetic observation, this is t
