The Half Known Life

Pico Iyer, one of the most insightful voices in travel writing, ventures on an extraordinary journey in The Half Known Life. This profound exploration takes readers to the heart of the world's most sacred and tumultuous places, questioning the essence of paradise amid unending strife. In his quest, Iyer traverses the globe, visiting locations filled with divine significance and historical conflict. From the hallowed streets of Jerusalem to the unsettled lanes of Belfast, and from the enigmatic landscapes of North Korea to the spiritually enriched mosques of Iran, Iyer's travels lead to a holy mountain in Japan. With each step, he delves deeper into the human soul, uncovering the potent contrasts that define our world. Beyond a mere travelogue, The Half Known Life is an inward journey of spiritual evolution. Iyer contemplates whether true paradise exists within our turbulent reality or remains an elusive ideal of the past or future. He challenges preconceived notions and invites readers to find moments of peace and divinity in the midst of chaos. Elizabeth Gilbert praises the book as "nothing less than a guided tour of the human soul ... A masterpiece," while the Washington Post hails it as "a work of spiritual evolution [and] inner journeys told through extraordinary exteriors." In a spectacular journey, both inward and outward, Pico Iyer's insightful narrative upends any expectations of paradise, daring to suggest that it can indeed be found in the heart of our angry and confused world. The Half Known Life is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a compelling invitation to seek beauty and tranquillity amidst life’s turbulence.