When Paul Stokes runs out of choices, his only path is betrayal.
The fragile peace is holding. Behind the scenes, the Israelis are competing for...
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reviews
Feb 11, 2012
DubaiReader
rated it: 
Great local flavour.
This book was chosen by our book group because the author will be attending the Emirates International Festival of Literature in March. We were interested in it because it is set in Jordan and covers aspects of Palestinian/Israeli issues, particularly the potential shortage of water in the area.
Paul Stokes arrives in Jordan to take up a new job - publishing a magazine for a recently formed Jordanian Ministry. He is helped to find his feet by a colleague, A More...
This book was chosen by our book group because the author will be attending the Emirates International Festival of Literature in March. We were interested in it because it is set in Jordan and covers aspects of Palestinian/Israeli issues, particularly the potential shortage of water in the area.
Paul Stokes arrives in Jordan to take up a new job - publishing a magazine for a recently formed Jordanian Ministry. He is helped to find his feet by a colleague, A More...
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Jan 08, 2012
Simon
rated it:
Yet another independent offering in an ever-expanding sea of self-published novels. Maybe it’s the circles I move in, but I’m bombarded daily via Twitter and Facebook and the like to read this ebook and that ebook. It’s the shape of the future and if more indie novels were as good as Olives by Alexander McNabb then mainstream publishing would have cause to tremble.
Of course, if quality was the only gauge then the market wouldn’t be so flooded with high-profile dross from the big publis More...
Of course, if quality was the only gauge then the market wouldn’t be so flooded with high-profile dross from the big publis More...
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Jan 25, 2012
George
rated it:
If you take the Tailor of Panama, add a sprinkle of Lawrence of Arabia, introduce rich and memorable characters, a modern concern about water scarcity, and bring up the speed, you will get Olives – A Violent Romance by Alexander McNabb.
McNabb skillfully managed to keep the reader as the outsider that Paul continued to be until the very end in a country he did not understand, yet was inadvertently in love with almost from the first pages, or days.
The appeal of the East with it More...
McNabb skillfully managed to keep the reader as the outsider that Paul continued to be until the very end in a country he did not understand, yet was inadvertently in love with almost from the first pages, or days.
The appeal of the East with it More...
Jan 20, 2012
Holly
rated it:
Olives is a suspense/romance novel set in Jordan. I read the book for my book club, and was happy to do so as I enjoy books set in the Middle East. Also, I was curious what the novel would reveal about the plight of the Palestinians, a subject close to my heart.
Most of all, I enjoyed the descriptions of Jordan. I appreciate that the novel presents the Palestinian point of view—something rarely seen in fiction by Westerners. The Palestinian characters spoke for themselves, explaining More...
Most of all, I enjoyed the descriptions of Jordan. I appreciate that the novel presents the Palestinian point of view—something rarely seen in fiction by Westerners. The Palestinian characters spoke for themselves, explaining More...
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Jan 29, 2012
Mita
rated it: 
Quite a few of our community have written about this book. Its (too) short and sweet. Its fast paced and because its so interesting - it was over too soon.
One of the main interests for me (besides the bit of romance)is the political backdrop and the machinations of private and public sector, the turmoil of ethics versus personal needs. I am so looking forward to the next one. And I've been promised there is a next one with creepy Gerald!
One of the main interests for me (besides the bit of romance)is the political backdrop and the machinations of private and public sector, the turmoil of ethics versus personal needs. I am so looking forward to the next one. And I've been promised there is a next one with creepy Gerald!
Jan 08, 2012
Roba
rated it:
Fantastic book that you can't put down. It is a horrifyingly realistic look at culture and life in Jordan, told in a gripping drama.
Totally recommended!
Totally recommended!
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