Rating: 
Summary: Interesting
Review: Overall I found the book a good introduction to the events that led to the creation of the Middle East as we know it today. The first part of the book is interesting from a strictly biographical angle on Gertrude Bell. Though I found the profuse gushing by the author about "almighty England" and on Gertrude Bell and her family rather annoying. The second part deals with the political intrigues which eventually created the Modern-day Middle Eastern States. From a historical perspective it really helped me to better understand the very complicated politics of that area.
Rating:
Summary: History with 360 view not just military campaign analysis
Review: Refreshing, dynamic reflection on a complex topic. For those interested in the Middle-East but exhausted by the usual wading through of endless indexes on battles; this will be a welcome change of pace. One of the few works that uses relationships to navigate through the complex web this region has become. The isolation of all parties is well told and the perspective of the telling is unique. Belle was an outsider to her own Victorian world. She never seems to come to terms with this. She spent most of her life in self imposed exile from the British system which she was instrumental in perpetuating. An intriguing character study that is entwined in the rich history of the early 1900's. Her adventures are at times both inspiring and disturbing.
Rating:
Summary: Desert Queen : The Extraordinary Life of Gertrude Bell : Adv
Review: The life of Gertrude Bell is both inspiring and sad. Janet Wallach conveys the accomplishments of this woman in a way that makes one want to read on just to see what she will do next. Conversely, Ms. Bell's personal life lacks the luster of her accomplishments. From the story, I wonder if her lonliness is because she is a woman far ahead of her time or that she is just a bore. Nonetheless, the dichotomy presented in this book makes it good reading for those who look to biographys as a little window into someone's soul. This book is a good introduction to Gertrude Bell and discusses a few, limited issues surrounding the centuries of unrest in the middle east. It truly focuses on the life of Gertrude Bell and should not be used as a primer on mid-east issues.
Rating: 
Summary: Gertrude Bell as Victorian Victim
Review: The most interesting life and times of Gertrude Bell are lost in this steamy, bodice ripper masquerading as biography. For entertainment, not a bad choice. For anyone interested in Ms. Bell or the history of Iraq during the Mandate Period, look elsewhere.
Rating: 
Summary: Lacks Objectivity
Review: The story of Gertrude Bell is impelling and deserves recognition. Her political feats in the Middle East were outstanding; especially given her gender and the social consciousness of the 1910's and 20's. Unfortunately, Wallach's style of writing severely diminished my interest in the story. Her writing was grossly biased, which detracted from the legitimacy of the recount. Biographies should be more objective than this interpretation of Bell's life. Wallach was irritatingly repetitive at times and surprisingly superficial. The end of the book remains unfulfilling because Wallach does not pursue other realities of Bell's life and death; she relies too heavily on her own preconceived notion of Bell and neglects to include or expound the comments and criticisms of Bell's acquaintances. Other notable detractions: not enough maps, touched too lightly on Bell's archeological achievements, danced around romantic affairs. I find it extremely difficult that the base, flighty woman that Wallach has portrayed could possibly have been the Queen of the Desert, the Khatun. In reality Bell was much more complex than Wallach gave her credit. I was taught that if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. So here's my nice comment: If you are a beginner in the area of Middle Eastern/British history and need a primer, then Desert Queen is a good place to start.
Rating:
Summary: Waste of time
Review: There are plenty of more interesting people to read about. No mention is made that during the time of Bell's travels through Turkey the Armenians were being wiped out by the Turks. I found her to be pretentious and a spoiled girl who turned to daddy every time she ran out of money and wanted to be back in her "beloved" desert. If she was so wonderful at politics, how come those areas of the world are still at war?
Rating:
Summary: REVIEW OF JANET WALLACH'S DESERT QUEEN BY JOHN CHUCKMAN
Review: This book should be required reading for all students of affairs in the Middle East, as well as for students of the great pageant of the British Empire. Here is the story of the remarkable woman who helped create modern Iraq.
Gertrude Bell was brilliant, gifted in languages, and ferociously brave. Ms. Bell travelled across deserts, climbed mountains, made contributions to archeology, served as an important intelligence source and an unusual diplomat, smoked in public, and sat as an equal with many fierce desert chieftains.
Her understanding of the Arabic people was sounder in many ways than the mystical nonsense of Lawrence of Arabia, a much better known figure.
I cannot call this a great book, for Janet Wallach is less than a great writer, but this is a good book on an important and neglected subject. Wallach brings us many interesting details of Gertrude Bell's extraordinary life.
Rating: 
Summary: Women should read this.
Review: This is a story about a solid, clear thinking, straight shooting, self confident woman who is an excellent role model for women today. Men should read this. It is a story about a solid, clear thinking, straight shooting, self confident woman who is an excellent example for men today. Gertrude Bell possesses all the characteristics of a leader: self control, curiosity, vision, drive, diplomacy, passion for the work, steadiness, and integrity. Not to mention, the story is a wonderful glimpse of the Middle East in the early 20th century, and clearly demonstrates the sources and reasons for some of the conflicts that remain today. Excellent reading!
Rating: 
Summary: It is a shame such a shame such a fascinating woman could no
Review: This is a story of such a fascinating woman, but why could not another, less-dry writer have written her story? I find myself believing it will get better and I will be able to "not put it down" later on. However, all I do is put it down for months at a time. Such a story needs to be told and re-told and certainly not be lost to oblivion, but with this version, I am afraid it is a true possibility.
Rating:
Summary: A woman beyond her time
Review: This was one of the most fascinating women of her time. Bold, beautiful, and smart. She went where most men wouldn't dare. This book is not only a tribute to Gertrude Bell, but a great insight into the history of Iraq,and the middle east, the people and, why they may not ever be a democracy.
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