This is a love story based on the author's ongoing affair with an exotic land.... [Novak] captures the reader's attention, admiration and sympathy and then describes straightforwardly the external and internal elements of thinking and policy that are detrimental to the country's survival." --Foreign Service Journal ... personal and well-informed analysis... Another fine addition to the 'Essential Asia Series'." --Asiaweek This rich meditation on the land and people but especially the waters of Bangladesh is a masterpiece of journalism." --The Reader's Review ... beautiful, even lyrical account... " --Orbis As an introduction to Bangladesh this book is invaluable... " --Current History A positive and hopeful presentation of Bangladesh by a writer who loves the country while recognizing its many faults. It is both a scholar's and an insider's view of Bangladesh, its history, geography, politics, and culture.