“Yasmina
Khadra may well be the most powerful and serious writer in French since his
Algerian compatriot Albert Camus.” — Philadelphia Inquirer
The
third novel in Yasmina Khadra’s bestselling trilogy about Islamic
fundamentalism brings readers into Baghdad.
Forced
to leave the University of Baghdad when the Americans invade Iraq, a young man
from a small desert village returns home, where he witnesses three events that
transform him. First, American soldiers at a checkpoint kill the sweet and
beloved “village idiot.” Several days later, an American plane bombs a wedding
on the outskirts of the village. And then one night, soldiers looking for
terrorists come to the young man’s own home and humiliate his father in full
view of the terrified family. Consumed by the desire to avenge this unspeakable
act, the youth leaves the village for the city.
Baghdad
is going up in flames. The young man searches for a place to stay before being
taken in by a radical group and convincing its members that he is willing to do
anything to help their cause. After proving his mettle by participating in
several attacks, he is sent to Beirut to undertake a super-secret mission that
will take him to London. As the time to board the plane nears, he struggles to
reconcile his mission with his moral principles.
A
masterful and chilling look at violence and its effects on ordinary people, The
Sirens of Baghdad probes situations few writers dare examine. Powerfully
written like Khadra’s previous novels, it explores the depths of human nature
and shows that, even in the most horrific circumstances, good can prevail.
Read the Book
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