Translation of barbarous in German

We bought some sandals which cost us two dollars each pair. Then we visited the surroundings of the market where many store sold paintings, sculptures and books, some very beautiful ones.
We decided to walk back and explore the city on foot. It was hard to cross the streets as there was an endless flow of motorcycles and bikes. One needed to just enter the street and cross it.
I guess it is a very interesting book, but I did not entirely understand it. What did the author try to say, what message did he want to deliver? Do you want that I recommend another book?