The Burden of the Desert is fast-paced and gripping, and asks questions that will linger long after the last page is turned. Via the lives of a fascinating group of characters, former war correspondent Justin Huggler memorably evokes the atmosphere of a military occupation whose aftershocks are still being felt today. "The author has an uncanny ability to stimulate readers' senses with his vivid depictions...at times, readers will feel as if they are right there alongside the soldiers".