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A Book of Trouble

by Ann Marlowe



      In A Book of Trouble, Ann Marlowe serves a spicy romance within the meat of reflection and ideologies. Marlowe shows strong convictions, which have played a part in curtailing past relationships. Marlowe falls for Amir, and a clash of body and mind flavors her life. An age gap may be a problem to some people, but the ten-year age difference in Marlowe's new relationship is only the initial conflict.

Marlowe, a Jewish American, has been in love and lust with men of other religions. She knows that she will marry someone who at least looks Jewish. Into her life walks Amir, an Afghani. Some people might drop this pursuit right away. Marlowe sees intrigue, lust, and shared history in the eyes of Amir. Marlowe is proud of her heritage, and she finds herself drawn to Amir's mirror of her own family. Her heart leads, just like many romances begin.

Amir plays a cat-and-mouse role in the relationship. He claims his desire to marry a 17- year-old virgin during a dinner with friends. Other times, he treats Marlowe with the respect of a wife or the hunger of a lover. Is Amir acting as the barbaric Arab of Americans' expectations, or is he professing his own deep beliefs? Unsure of his motives, Marlowe does know that her attraction to Amir is unlike any others.

A writer and traveler, Marlowe visits Afghanistan and Iraq. She is touched by the welcoming gracious nature of the Arab people. The difference in societal rules, wealth, and politics puzzles her. She grapples with the ideologies of love, marriage, and family within Western and Eastern societies. Marlowe is brilliant at mingling the differences between the societies' cultures and values.

Her introspection takes the reader on an enlightening, and sometimes frustrating journey. Before the inevitable heartache, Marlowe seems to ignore the signs that flash before her. That is a small frustration, in light of Marlowe's in-depth writing and refreshing treatment of love, marriage, and life in different cultures. Marlowe highlights aspects skewed by politics, cultures, and love. A Book of Trouble will take you on an incredible journey that will light your emotions and your thoughts.

The Book

Harcourt
February 1, 2006
Hardback
0-151-01131-1
Non-fiction/Memoir
More at Amazon.com
Excerpt
NOTE: some language and sex

The Reviewer

Jennifer Akers
Reviewed 2006
NOTE:
© 2006 MyShelf.com