Honour

This is the kind of writing that stays with you, so rich, so resonant, so funny, so good you want to reread it just to experience it afresh.I first read it last year and loved it. As I say, the story wouldn't let me go. I had to go back to it.This is about a young man, Azeem, with a jihadi past. When the novel opens he has settled in London, deeply in love with a westernized woman, Shirin, and living a cool, laid back life.Azeem is setting up a communications campaign aimed at promoting tolerance and understanding between Muslims and Christians. To do this he is working with an ad agency whose executives include a coke-addicted MD called Wythenshawe and an eccentric German research guru called Dr Klinker.The comedy of these situations contrasts with the toxic tragedy which is brewing in the wake of an honour killing and a terrorist attack in London. Azeem is torn between his liberal westernized ideals and the pull of his jihadi past, embodied by his ex comrade-in-arms, Abdul Khattak.Abdul Khattak is brilliantly portrayed in his conflicts - he too was brought up in England, but he has turned against Britain and all it stands for. Freddie Omm portrays Abdul sympathetically but unsparingly, so that the reader almost ends up sympathizing with his point of view, despite the violent atrocities he commits in the name of Allah.Set in England, France, Germany and Turkey, this is an atmospheric, disturbing, always riveting read. It is written in an easy. fluid way and interwoven narrative threads, giving a multi-perspectived viewpoint which allows each character to come fully to life. The mix of fast-paced action, laugh-aloud comedy, poignant, hearbreaking observation reminds me of independent films of the kind directed by the Coen brothers, Wes Anderson or, sometimes, Quentin Tarantino. But, being a book, there is much more potential than is possible in film to get inside each situation and explore it to the full.This is stylish, sharp and compelling, a real page-turner with pure pleasure on every page.I would recommend this book to anyone who loves well-written, pacy intelligent literary thrillers.

There is that rare occasion when one comes across a hidden gem and for me this is such an occasion. Honour, for me is right up there with my early introduction to Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code. This book catapults you straight into unknown territory and at a break neck speed you are encapsulated into its world. The writing is excellent and allows the reader to form a relationship with each character whether it is empathy or anger. The subject matter is controversial to say the least but it is one that is constantly discussed be in behind closed doors or in the media. As an English Tutor, I have certainly discussed it with my pupils and now they can read this emotive and powerful portrayal. Thank you! This book now takes pride of place on my bookshelf awaiting in anticipation until its companion is released. If you are looking for a riveting read then this book comes highly recommended. For my pupils get a copy as it will now be on your reading list. HonourHonour