From a former CIA officer comes the riveting account of a
royal Middle Eastern family exiled to the American suburbs.
When her father is killed in a coup, 15-year-old Laila flees
from the war-torn middle east to a life of exile and anonymity in the U.S.
Gradually she adjusts to a new school, new friends, and a new culture, but
while Laila sees opportunity in her new life, her mother is focused on the
past. She’s conspiring with CIA operatives and rebel factions to regain the
throne their family lost. Laila can’t bear to stand still as an international
crisis takes shape around her, but how can one girl stop a conflict that spans
generations?
J.C. Carleson delivers a fascinating account of a girl—and a
country—on the brink, and a rare glimpse at the personal side of international
politics.
*Bonus Backmatter includes a note about the author's CIA
past, and a commentary by RAND researcher and president of ARCH International,
Dr. Cheryl Benard. Recommendations for further reading are also included.
I happened upon this when I saw it included in a Stacking
The Shelves post a few weeks ago. It’s different from my regular fare and I was
grateful for the change of pace it provided.
Layla’s experience as a newly arrived exile is described so
eloquently. There were even moments where I could easily relate to her cultural
shock moments. But Layla’s perspective on life in general is eye-opening. The
differences she encounters don’t necessarily scare her or deter her. She even
allows herself to enjoy aspects of her new life though there may be constant
clashes between the old and new that confound her. But what is truly earth-shattering for her is
learning that the whole world sees her overthrown murdered father as a dictator
which is a very bitter lesson for her to swallow. This even causes her to reassess her life and
family as she has known it up to now, especially her mother. What we have here
is not just a displaced teenage girl who has lost her father and her country
but also a girl having to grow up too fast and be schooled in politics.
Seeing typical American experiences from the mundane like
that of grocery shopping to the milestone high school dance through Layla’s
eyes, will offer a fresh new perspective to the reader. Even the concept of
having friends and “hanging out” is something new to her.
I say read this. It’s one of the best books I’ve come across
this year. It’s an absorbing story that grabs you and will also enhance your own view of typical every day life.
~ Bel
I was very intrigued with this book, This book is well written and a book I could not put down while reading it. It had me engulfed in this book. I read this book very quickly and one of the best unknown stories told.
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