Middle East thriller – Take a shot with Sarah Sultoon

War reporting in the Middle East

This is a bok that is very sadly far too relevant for its time.  We are witnessing the events unfolding in Ukraine and listening to reporters to tell us what is going on. This is sadly not the first of its kind – and this novel taps into that, detailing the black soul of war, giving a voice to those who flee, those who live in camps and those who fight..

What is it like to be a reporter in foreign and dangerous countries? Sarah Sultoon, author of this novel has personal insight having worked as a CNN reporter….

BookTrail the locations in The Shot

Boarding Pass Information : The Shot

Destination : Middle East, Sudan

Author guide: Sarah Sultoon

Genre: wartime

Food and drink to accompany: Whatever you can fit into a backpack.

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This is a novel about war, abuse but also of humanity seen through the lens of international journalism. With a background in journalism in this very field, from CNN no less, Sarah is better placed than most to write this heartbreaking book.

If I had to describe it in one word, I would say  ‘raw’. This book will raise so many issues and moral dilemnas that you wil be thinking about it for ages. Great choice for a bookgroup I would say! Given what is happening in today’s world, this is particularly poignant and  moving.

The story kicks off in a huge international newsroom located in London.  There we meet Sami who works as a producer. She speaks Arabic and so is keen to work in the field and head out to countries where she could best use her talents. Kris works as a cameraman and thrives on being at the heart of  war. Even when he’s away from the action, he dreams of being there and aches to get back to the danger.

BookTrail the locations in The Shot

I knew nothing of war time reporting and what the journalists must go through.We see them on the TV day after day, bombs going off behind them, but do we really think of what they actually see and feel? What about the locals caught in  the middle?

What about the heros who aren’t on camera? The interpreters, the ones who help people to escape and find their missing family members for example. Sarah gives them a voice. A loud one.

Luckily, I have never been in a warzone but I honestly feel I have had a harsh and utterly heartbreaking experience of it from this vivid and compelling read. I felt exhausted after reading it. Felt very affected and cold. That is how good this book is.

Sarah and Kris get their chance to head out to get a story and be part of the story themselves. We are thrown into Baghdad, Afghanistan and then refugee camps in Sudan. What a journey. Painful and raw, insightful and compelling.

I’ve never read a novel quite like it.

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More books set in the Middle East

BookTrail Boarding Pass:  The Shot

Twitter:   @SultoonSarah