In his late twenties, Allan - divorced with two young children to support - decides, after a failed business venture, to return to the Middle East where he previously worked. However, all was not as it seemed and he reluctantly became embroiled in ongoing deception. Events out of his control put him in a dangerous situation, from which he was rescued by a man that would become a true friend. Unexpectedly, he also found romance which would last a lifetime...
Then the 'Arab Spring' erupted and put him and his new family in peril. Forced to escape to a safe place would test him to the limit. Allan was not used to seeing the effects of war and was compelled to do things that would haunt him for the rest of his life.
Rezensionen / Stimmen
This is a very powerful and uplifting story. I cried three times as I was swept along with the characters, experiences and events. The story touches on maturity, equality, cultural tolerance, and the value of true friendship. - Kirstie Edwards, BSc Ma PhD PGCE ///// Congratulations on your book. This was a fascinating and moving insight into life, both before and during the conflict in Syria. The extraordinary circumstances of the war, juxtaposed with the aspects of everyday life, such as friendship, love and work, are exemplified beautifully in your story. Your characters are empathetic and nuanced and this encourages the reader to become fully absorbed and follow their journey. - Polly Warren, Editor, CIEP ///// The story has it its fair share of issues - broken UK family, female equality, different religions, no religion, political mayhem, employment, food, terrorism, violence, interracial marriage. WOW, that Allan really gets around. - Gerry Morris, Author/Musician ///// So, if this is the first attempt at a novel, it is commended. The language is varied, and the pace is fast. There's a range of characters, and the horrors are conveyed well. Very well done to the author. - Kate O'callaghan, Head of English, Trinity School
Sprache
Verlagsort
Maße
Höhe: 203 mm
Breite: 127 mm
Dicke: 19 mm
Gewicht
ISBN-13
978-1-80381-117-8 (9781803811178)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Klassifikation
A bit about the author. I spent some years working in Saudi Arabia and Syria on a single status contract, though married. Once retired, myself and my wife resided in Turkey for six years. Working and living with different nationalities and becoming accepted by them was the inspiration for writing this story. Though the events within it are purely fiction, I have drawn upon some of my experiences encountered. Most nationalities I found friendly and honest and, once shown the same respect I desired, we became real friends.
Prologue
Chapter 1 Aleppo 19th July 2012
Chapter 2 Life Before Aleppo, 1987
Chapter 3 Applying for a Job in Syria 1996
Chapter 4 First Impressions of Syria
Chapter 5 Al Omar (Work)
Chapter 6 The Scam
Chapter 7 Our Story
Chapter 8 Meeting Ali
Chapter 9 Back at Work
Chapter 10 Leave in the UK 1996
Chapter 11 Return to Work
Chapter 12 The Trial
Chapter 13 Meeting the Family
Chapter 14 Amina is Gaining Confidence
Chapter 15 Discussions with Ali
Chapter 16 Socialising
Chapter 17 The Garden Party
Chapter 18 Return to Al Taim
Chapter 19 Marriage
Chapter 20 Making Home in Aleppo 1996
Chapter 21 Vacation to the UK 2003
Chapter 22 Returning Home
Chapter 23 Aleppo: Discussion with Ali August 2012
Chapter 24 Escaping Aleppo August 2012
Chapter 25 YPJ (Women's Protection Unit) 2012
Chapter 26 Turkey Here We Come
Chapter 27 Kirikhan 2012
Chapter 28 Adana, Alanya, Antalya
Chapter 29 Kas, Meis
Chapter 30 Rhodes at Last
Chapter 31 Safe in the UK 2012
Chapter 32 Pembrokeshire
Chapter 33 September 2015
Chapter 34 October 2015
Chapter 35 December 2015
Epilogue
