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Sara Sheridan
Avon (HarperCollins UK)
3 February 2011/ ISBN 1847561993
Historical General / 1833 / Middle East, various locations
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Reviewed
by Rachel A Hyde
Ambitious young
naval officer James Wellstead is on an expedition to survey the
coastline of the Arabian Peninsula, and is keen to be the one who
finally lifts his family out of poverty. He gets his chance to add
to the travelogue he hopes to see published by John Murray when
two shipmates vanish into the desert. Disguised as a Turkish trader
he will travel across the Empty Quarter in the company of slavers
as a rescue party. Meanwhile, Ethiopian Zena has been captured and
sold into slavery by the same men…
There is romance in this novel (as well as history and drama according
to the content guide on the back) but I would hesitate to label
it as such. My reasoning is that if I did too many people would
think that it wasn’t for them and in doing so miss out on
a good book. The romance is only one of many facets to this exciting
and absorbing story that transports the reader to a place and time
not often written about, the Middle East in the 1830s. There is
a lot in here to enjoy from tactile descriptions of desert journeys
and exotic towns, thrilling escapes, daring rescues and the lot
of women contrasted with that of men. Although this is set nearly
two centuries ago there is much in here that is topical in its insight
into Middle Eastern beliefs and culture, but this is no political
tract and there is good and bad on both sides. Ultimately this is
a look at a very different culture in a place as unlike Britain
as it is possible to be, making this escapist in some ways but thought-provoking
and gritty in others. Dealing with themes such as slavery and imprisonment
this is not a cozy read but these scenes are dealt with in a way
that does not detract from their horror, but does not dwell on it
with any unnecessary glee either. In short, this is an entertaining
novel that ought to appeal to a wide range of readers and both sexes.
Highly recommended, more please. |
