Andrew Bryson

Laugh out loud funny in parts, interesting reading about the impressions of British Diplomats in various parts of the world - mostly the countries which one rarely reads about; and the valedictory report from Hanoi frankly horrified me.

It is customary for diplomats to file a report of 'first impressions' three months after taking up a new post and another one when they leave. These make very interesting reading as do the comments preceding each report. My only disappointment was the valedictory report from the Vatican but suspect that to say more could have been political dynamite.

This is a book which will be added to my permanent collection. Each report is short and is therefore a book which can be picked up and read almost at random.

My main feeling, having read all the reports was ... NEVER marry into the Diplomatic Corps; those poor women.… (meer)