Fascinating ... A slightly misleading title turns out, in this case, to be the antithesis of a disappointment. The broad scope of The Snow Leopard Project makes for compelling reading, not least because it corrects assumptions some of us may have picked up about Afghanistan during these 18 long years of war. Most Americans view Afghanistan, Dehgan writes, 'as an inhospitable, dusty land of mud houses, thick clay walls, and bearded, turbaned men and women in burkas.' The reality, of course, is much more complex — and more beautiful ... It's a marvelous choice for Dehgan to put himself in the middle of the story ... There's no hint here of a self-styled American savior coming to a war-torn land in order to force Western fixes onto local people ... illuminates a vital area of science — and a country filled with natural and cultural beauty. I was captivated by Dehgan's writing, chapter by chapter.
An eye-opening account of what it takes to protect wildlife under improbable conditions. Dehgan’s zeal for conservation, passion for humanitarian outreach, and admiration for the Afghan people spring from every page.
Captivating ... with clarity and a bit of awe, Deghan describes Afghanistan’s great geological past and its 'dramatic and largely unappreciated biodiversity' ... leaves readers with an optimistic message that, in any sphere of life, effective collaboration toward common goals can benefit everyone.
Intriguing, detailed, frequently unnerving ... however, animals are largely absent in the narrative ... The author vividly describes the rugged lands he and his crew encountered, but maps would have been a big help to those unfamiliar with the geography ... Nature lovers’ expectations may be unfulfilled, but Dehgan’s lessons provide a sort of textbook on the frustrations and complexities of working on conservation in a place where science runs into the snarls of politics and diplomacy—and often loses.
