News from No Man’s Land: Reporting the World – John Simpson

This is the other roving reporter autobiography that I took to Chile with me, and reading it after Kate Adie’s provided some interesting contrasts, and I enjoyed it just as much, although for different reasons. I’m not sure I’d enjoy meeting John Simpson, as he comes across as rather too despotic for my tastes, but then again, determination and self-assurance are two traits which I suspect are essential to success as a reporter, particularly one who frequently reports on wars and unrest around the world.

The subject matter of this third volume of John Simpson’s autobiography is the US invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, and the fall of Kabul. It’s a fascinating read, taking you into the mechanics of journalism, and the workings of the BBC as well as giving you the political long view so often lacking in TV news reporting.

Buy it: Amazon link