Readers Share Thoughts about ‘Lion of Babylon’ and ‘Rare Earth’

John writes: 

I am a fan of good Christian fiction books. I just downloaded Lion of Babylon; this is the first time I have read anything from Davis Bunn.

When I started the book I could not put it down. As a Christ follower, it was so inspiring to read about the Middle East and be reminded that Jesus is moving amongst all that is happening in Iraq.

Although I know this is a fiction book, I believe Mr. Bunn is spot-on in his novel. I’m a new fan and look forward to reading more of his books.

Erick writes:  

I wanted to let you know I finished Lion of Babylon and have started Rare Earth. I am really enjoying the way you incorporate the character’s Christian faith into daily living and the jobs and positions they find themselves.

In Royce’s case it has been interesting for me to reflect on his heart. I wasn’t a Christian when I was at West Point and later a platoon leader so I wasn’t concerned about how I’d mix my faith and a profession that was designed to bring me into confrontation with others. But since those days I’ve often thought about how I would handle having Jesus living in me and through me and being called to maybe kill others.

I am still not at a defined answer on that, but Lion of Babylon has made me think about it again as I see how you worked through his faith and profession

Charles writes: 

I so enjoyed Lion of Babylon. It reminded me of my time in Baghdad in 2005. The novel’s setting concerning kidnappings of Iraqis was a point of view that we didn’t have. We only tracked foreigners who had been kidnapped — the Iraqis taken were just beyond our ability to gather information. While there, I had the opportunity to address the Baghdad Optimists Club. The place has amazing contradictions.

Dear Erick and Charles,

Lion of Babylon marked a number of firsts for me as an author. Though I lived and worked in the Middle East for four years back in the ‘70s and ‘80s, I have never used these experiences in the structure of a story. My desire was to tell one, when or if it came, with a clear voice from within the Arab community.

Because I speak virtually no Arabic, this was basically impossible. Then I was introduced to an Iraqi over studying at University College, and through the most amazing circumstances we forged a friendship which resulted in his granting me the Arab’s view.

As you have worked there, you can fully understand just what an amazing gift this was. They are so closed to outsiders, and so assuming that we seek to misunderstand, or place Israel at the center of the Arab universe. It was a gift, and it is great to know that you feel I have used the gift well.

Brian writes: 

I really enjoyed the spans over Kenya in Rare Earth. I’ve been to Kitale but I didn’t realize there was a dormant volcano so close by.

I’ve also been in Kibera and I don’t think words can describe it. Did you visit there?  When I go through there the children run alongside in a sing-song chant, “How are you? How are you? How are you?”  No one should have to live like that.

I bought this on my Kindle but my friends are coming over next month and I bought them a hard copy to read and take back to Kenya. He is from the Luo tribe. He explained to me that he can tell people apart by the size and shape of their nose.

I loved the story of the creation tree. You should write that as a children’s book.

Dear Brian,

As for the volcano, there are dormant ones all over the Rift, but none that threaten Kitali with an actual eruption. That was based upon experiences elsewhere and imported.

Thanks for the very kind words regarding the creation tree story. I made all that up, but it is based upon the stories I heard told to children while there. Maybe I should do as you suggest. That is, if I can find the time!

 Steve writes: 

Rare Earth drew me in with its fast-paced introduction. As a former member of the U.S. Navy, attached to the U.S. Marines, I appreciate “spec-ops” situations, and you were dead-on with your descriptions.

What kept me was the heart of the hero, Marc Royce. I’ve noticed (as I’ve read more than one of your novels) that your characters can be captured in a single word:  integrity. No matter how you slice them, no matter the situation, no matter the personal cost to the hero, your characters remain true to themselves — and true to God.

I will never be able to look at a “third-world country” the same way, ever again. Having your eyes “opened” is never a pleasant experience . . . but often a necessary one.

Dear Steve,

I never served in the armed forces, and it has been especially important to me personally that I carefully research all such components. Hearing I struck the right chord with a man of your background means the world, as does your summary comment regarding my main characters.

Susy writes: 

Are you writing a sequel to Rare Earth or at least another one with the main character?

Dear Susy,

Yes indeed, I am now in the process of doing the preliminary sketches for a new story based upon Marc Royce. The working title is ‘Straits of Hormuz’, and it is due for release in the autumn of 2013.