We've all heard about Somali pirates, but it is father and son Daniel and Quentin Parker's misfortune to sail right into their clutches on the African leg of their around-the-world voyage. Daniel, needing time out from his floundering marriage and Quentin, from his litany of troubling behaviour, come up against someone with nothing to lose - twenty year old Ismail Ibrahim, bent on avenging the destruction of his own family. From the FBI negotiator called in to manage the crisis, through to the US Navy's involvement, nothing is as it seems.
Told from multiple viewpoints, this is an engrossing and insightful thriller that illuminates the contemporary issues of international relations, especially those of Somalia, and offers a glimmer of possibility for future justice and reconciliation.
AUCK 425
14-08-2023
We all enjoyed this book but thought the love story aspect felt "tacked" on. Unnecessary!
KATIK 003
11-08-2023
Fantastic informative book. Great author. Will read more of his books.
AUCK 399
11-08-2023
The majority of the group thought it an excellent read. Multi-plot, well executed, characterisation exceptional.
WELL 024
14-06-2023
Most of the group found the book very informative re Somalian conflict and negotiating! Great research and a very wide range of topics covered, even female circumcision. Generally felt to be a good read.
MATAM 006
17-11-2022
We all really enjoyed this book. Some of us had seen the movie 'Captain Philips' and so could easily visualise the story. We had a lot of discussion around Somalia, things done in the name of religion, drone warfare etc.
PAIHIA 003
03-08-2022
Everyone enjoyed the book - particularly that the story covered different viewpoints and we could understand the different angles.
AUCK 261
13-03-2019
We enjoyed the book - thought it was a good read, and thought-provoking on the pirate/ransom issue.
TEANA 001
06-03-2019
Excellent book. If we could answer all the questions we would solve the world's problems!
HAST 010
03-09-2018
Mixed feelings about this book. Overall good, but some found it hard to get into - I loved it.
PALMN 022
03-09-2018
Over half the group had trouble reading the book due to the small print. Those that finished it liked the read.
GORE 005
03-09-2018
We really enjoyed the book.
CHCH 422
03-09-2018
Our group really enjoyed the book. Kept them interested, and with all the drama that happened it the middle, we wondered where it would go. Made one member want to read more by author.
CHCH 433
21-05-2018
This book was quite different from any other book our group has read. We had mixed feelings about how the characters were portrayed with all of them having so much angst. It did give us a better awareness of what Somalia has been through at the hands of unscrupulous leaders.
WANAK 010
21-05-2018
A book enjoyed by the whole group. A well written and gripping story that makes you want to read more of the author's stories. The author's research shows how he wants to make a difference to life in Somalia. We enjoyed the family connections within the story and learnt a lot about government controls in Somalia, and the role of piracy.
