From a thousand and one little touches is born a sharp-eyed picture of Syria, with its Moslems, Christians, Jews (the few that are left), artists, peasants, bedouins, students, merchants, etc. What a kaleidoscope of attire, where today, women may wear tennis shorts along with the longest, heaviest, darkest veils!.

The author knows how to gain the confidence of the Syrian people and now gives us the opportunity to experience her unique encounters - some extravagant even - such as her very late night interview in Damascus with the Minister of Defense.