I think I can't wait for the sequel, that's what I think.
I was interested to know which angle this book was going to be written from. Was it going to be yet another boring conspiracy theory or a book that, having been written by an Arab, would be a 'feel sorry for the Arabs/Muslims around the world' type story. I was relieved when I started to read because it didn't do either. Yes it had elements of a conspiracy theory, but then don't all political books in one way or another? I mean even Sci-Fi books have conspiracy theories in them (see the amazing work of Mary Doria Russell for excellent examples).
This book is a page turner, a book that has been cleverly written and well researched. I connected with many of the characters for many reasons. One reason because the character Benjamin reminded me of my family and people growing up back home in the Fenland area of the UK. I connected with Professor Robert, always reading and connecting the dots, feelings of frustration when the blindingly obvious is right in front of people and they still refuse to see it. I connected with the Muslims within the book, having to have dialogue with racist, prejudiced and ignorant masses on a weekly basis, as well as feeling as though some lunatic is the spokesperson for the faith I have chosen for my life, although my faith is so completely different to the said lunatic, and every other Muslim for that matter.
Life is a struggle for so many of us and we just get on with life, but when something as terrifying as 9/11 happens, life just takes on a whole new meaning, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worst. With each individual sharing their story through the eyes of a stereotypical American WASP (White Anglo Saxon Protestant), an Egyptian living in New York, a member of an Iraqi family - as well as members of the Iraqi community, tied together with the dialogue of the Bush administration and fellow members of THE Masonic Lodge of the FreeMasons in the US, and a good dose of lunacy from the members of Al Qaeda, this book makes very interesting reading.
The characters come alive and so do the cultural elements of their lives. Mr Ahmed has captured many things well, and has cleverly left the book open-ended so if he wishes to write a sequel he can, but without the pressure of needing to. I thoroughly enjoyed his book and I am seriously waiting to find out what happens with Omar and the future of Professor Robert. What to title the sequel, or how he will write it, only he knows, but I know I would buy the sequel.