Fiction

摘要

Arab American Haris Abadi is looking to define himself, to find a "cause" since his sister married into money and ceased to be his motivation. He chooses to go to Syria to fight the regime. Crossing from Turkey to Syria is difficult for anyone, but for Haris it becomes a nightmare. "Befriended" by Athid, who promises to guide him, he instead is robbed and beaten. Then he's taken in By a gang of boys-street peddlers, really-and is finally rescued by Amir, a charismatic Syrian refugee and ex-revolutionary whose beautiful wife, Daphne, also wishes to journey into Syria to locate a daughter believed dead by all but her. Bonded by their mutual interest in Syria, Daphne and Haris are determined to enter the country, and Amir has the where-withal to make it happen. As it turns out, they contract the very same Athid as a guide. To say more would be to play spoiler, but the ending is deeply saddening, bitterly wistful, and highly ironic. VERDICT Here is a thriller, psychological fiction, political intrigue, and even a love story all wrapped into a stunningly realistic and sometimes horrifying package. Put Ackerman (Green on Blue) on the A-list. [See Prepub Alert, 7/11/16.].