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In Truth, Madness
Meet Malek Khalil. In his mid-40s, Malek is a brilliant reporter with decades of experience in the field. If there has been a war, natural disaster or political crisis, Malek has been there and will be there.
But the years of conflict reporting have taken their toll and Malek is slowly unravelling. His colleagues, Neeka and Justin, have noticed a change in him. Neeka should know, she has been his producer for decades and knows him better than he knows himself. Justin the cameraman has shot his material for just as long. Together they make a formidable team. But they are only as strong as each other - and Malek is fast going down the rabbit hole.
Born a Muslim but an atheist to his core, Malek undertakes a voyage that takes him around the world and back in time to ancient Babylon as he finds himself arguing with a God in whom he doesn't believe.
The novel takes place throughout Middle East, South Asia and London where the backdrop of war, religion, political skullduggery and love play out to take the reader on a journey through some of the most dangerous parts of modern culture and the ancient world.
But the years of conflict reporting have taken their toll and Malek is slowly unravelling. His colleagues, Neeka and Justin, have noticed a change in him. Neeka should know, she has been his producer for decades and knows him better than he knows himself. Justin the cameraman has shot his material for just as long. Together they make a formidable team. But they are only as strong as each other - and Malek is fast going down the rabbit hole.
Born a Muslim but an atheist to his core, Malek undertakes a voyage that takes him around the world and back in time to ancient Babylon as he finds himself arguing with a God in whom he doesn't believe.
The novel takes place throughout Middle East, South Asia and London where the backdrop of war, religion, political skullduggery and love play out to take the reader on a journey through some of the most dangerous parts of modern culture and the ancient world.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2018
5 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Imran Khan
11 books7 followersHaving kickstarted his career in the heady world of 1990s independent magazine publishing with work on Dazed and Confused, and launching seminal style title 2nd Generation, Imran Khan jumped into the mainstream with BBC London - hosting radio shows on popular culture, arts and news as the millennium approached. Despite having a face for radio, in 2001 he produced a series of short documentaries for BBC Newsnight, Britain’s leading current affairs programme. His work was noticed in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks and Channel 4 commissioned the award-winning film "The Hidden Jihad", which he wrote and presented. Imran subsequently moved full-time into TV news, working as a BBC producer and correspondent reporting from Lebanon, London and Qatar, with freelance stints in Afghanistan and Iraq.
He became a correspondent for Al Jazeera English in 2005 and is known for his extensive reporting from Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Palestine and Libya, as well covering the Arab Spring and the conflict in Syria. He continues to work as a correspondent for Al Jazeera English, dividing his time between the Middle East, South Asia and London
He became a correspondent for Al Jazeera English in 2005 and is known for his extensive reporting from Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Palestine and Libya, as well covering the Arab Spring and the conflict in Syria. He continues to work as a correspondent for Al Jazeera English, dividing his time between the Middle East, South Asia and London
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 18, 2023
Within these pages, Imran Khan has created such a fascinating world with believable and relatable characters that kept me turning the pages and wanting more.
This fascinating tale takes us around the Middle and Far East on a magical fantastical journey. We join our main character Malek as he seemingly descends into madness, led by a mysterious character who only communicates with him via his Kindle. This imaginative storyline gripped me and kept me engaged through all 364 pages of this epic tale.
Additionally, I learned a great deal about the geopolitical period that many Americans like myself probably don’t know about. As a fellow journalist, I probably know more than most. But I had left my journalism job by the time this book was set, so even I didn’t know some of these things. I’m sure the author took some liberties, but I assume much of the information is accurate.
I always enjoy being immersed in cultures I’m less familiar with, and growing up in small-town Louisiana, that’s unfortunately many of them. I didn’t knowingly meet a Muslim person until I was in high school. He was a substitute teacher, and it was a big deal. So I enjoy learning more about other cultures, and reading is a great way to do this. I appreciate this author’s candid writing style, showing the humanity and vulnerability of people in various situations. The more people can see that all people are people, the more we can stop fighting and get along.
This book was steeped in socio-political commentary and religious discussion. Malek spends a great deal of time soul-searching, and in the end, things are left a little uncertain. I appreciate the reality of this as well. The shades of grey, instead of the black and white thinking that so many people turn to when thinking of religion.
I enjoyed the fantasy elements in the world that were so clearly otherwise ours. It adds an element of creepiness and wonder. Always makes you wonder what you don’t know about the world. Could the magic be there, and you’re just not seeing it?
This was a thought-provoking and enjoyable read. I look forward to seeing more work by Imran Khan in the future. I hope to see more in this world, but if not I still look forward to it.
Who’s It For?
If you’re a fan of Neil Gaiman and, specifically Sandman and Good Omens, you’ll love this. Also, if you enjoyed “Cloud Cuckoo Land” and “Cloud Atlas,” you’ll probably like this as well. It’s very cerebral in a similar way to those titles and has a lot to say about society.
Content Warning: Religious Ideologies, War, Violence, Child Death, Graphic Death, Parent Death, Child Death, Adult Situations, Adult Language, and More
This fascinating tale takes us around the Middle and Far East on a magical fantastical journey. We join our main character Malek as he seemingly descends into madness, led by a mysterious character who only communicates with him via his Kindle. This imaginative storyline gripped me and kept me engaged through all 364 pages of this epic tale.
Additionally, I learned a great deal about the geopolitical period that many Americans like myself probably don’t know about. As a fellow journalist, I probably know more than most. But I had left my journalism job by the time this book was set, so even I didn’t know some of these things. I’m sure the author took some liberties, but I assume much of the information is accurate.
I always enjoy being immersed in cultures I’m less familiar with, and growing up in small-town Louisiana, that’s unfortunately many of them. I didn’t knowingly meet a Muslim person until I was in high school. He was a substitute teacher, and it was a big deal. So I enjoy learning more about other cultures, and reading is a great way to do this. I appreciate this author’s candid writing style, showing the humanity and vulnerability of people in various situations. The more people can see that all people are people, the more we can stop fighting and get along.
This book was steeped in socio-political commentary and religious discussion. Malek spends a great deal of time soul-searching, and in the end, things are left a little uncertain. I appreciate the reality of this as well. The shades of grey, instead of the black and white thinking that so many people turn to when thinking of religion.
I enjoyed the fantasy elements in the world that were so clearly otherwise ours. It adds an element of creepiness and wonder. Always makes you wonder what you don’t know about the world. Could the magic be there, and you’re just not seeing it?
This was a thought-provoking and enjoyable read. I look forward to seeing more work by Imran Khan in the future. I hope to see more in this world, but if not I still look forward to it.
Who’s It For?
If you’re a fan of Neil Gaiman and, specifically Sandman and Good Omens, you’ll love this. Also, if you enjoyed “Cloud Cuckoo Land” and “Cloud Atlas,” you’ll probably like this as well. It’s very cerebral in a similar way to those titles and has a lot to say about society.
Content Warning: Religious Ideologies, War, Violence, Child Death, Graphic Death, Parent Death, Child Death, Adult Situations, Adult Language, and More
August 15, 2019
https://orlando-books.blog/2019/08/15...
This is a clever mix of gritty journalism and a fantasy tale…..all told with a lively humour.
There is history, religion and politics in regions around the world, including Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq. A mix of current affairs, myth and time travel.
Malek also finds a wondrous book that downloads to his Kindle and here he finds he has a theological debate with a mystery voice…..is it God?
A beautifully written, original and engaging read.
Thank you to Anne Cater and Random Things Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook and this is my honest, unbiased review
October 16, 2023
I found In Truth, Madness to be an incredibly painful and extremely powerful novel , centred around the violence of war, suicide bombers and their innocent victims.
The story focuses on n international television news correspondent who's mental strength and faith are tested to the limit as he starts believing he is losing grip of his rational thinking.
Malek's begins to have daydreams which take himback thousands of years and into the near future.
These daydreams bring to life a djin, which lures Malek into its deceit and eventually appears in real life.
In this brilliant novel, we also meet Malek's field producer and camera man as they and the djinn travel from Iraq to Iran and from Afghanistan to the UK.
I found In Truth, Madness to be an incredibly epic journey which will have the reader questioning the meaning of life and the validity of war in these modern times. It's thought-provoking and insightful and gets a big 5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
The story focuses on n international television news correspondent who's mental strength and faith are tested to the limit as he starts believing he is losing grip of his rational thinking.
Malek's begins to have daydreams which take himback thousands of years and into the near future.
These daydreams bring to life a djin, which lures Malek into its deceit and eventually appears in real life.
In this brilliant novel, we also meet Malek's field producer and camera man as they and the djinn travel from Iraq to Iran and from Afghanistan to the UK.
I found In Truth, Madness to be an incredibly epic journey which will have the reader questioning the meaning of life and the validity of war in these modern times. It's thought-provoking and insightful and gets a big 5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
October 24, 2023
So this was a really great read. For me it was really different but I've found for me personally opening up to different types of genres has been rewarding loving finding new stuff I didn't think I would like. So this book follows Malek who is an international news reporter who reports from the Middle East, UK and South Asia. Some of the stories were harder to read than others but also the way the author incorporated myth with fantasy was pure genius and worked so well !! I don't think anyone really gets that even behind the scenes people like reporters are on the front lines face war first hand and often times pushing themselves to the limit. Making them question.
This was a great read. I truly feel everyone needs to read this. Thank you for writing such an amazing book.
This was a great read. I truly feel everyone needs to read this. Thank you for writing such an amazing book.
October 2, 2018
Great book with very interesting and well developed characters in fascinating situations and places. Would recommend for anyone, especially people interested in travel, journalism, adventure
November 15, 2018
Journalism, history, international affairs, poetry, religion and love. Imran Khan's 'In Truth Madness' has it all as a complete book. Like Malek, the protagonist in the book who could not keep his eyes off his Kindle, I could not keep the book down and read it all in a space of five days.
I had the pleasure of working with the author and knew about this book he was working on. The fact 'In truth Madness' covers so many subjects such as journalism, religion, history, poetry, and love to name a few then one can understand why he put so much time, effort and commitment to it.
The journey of the book is about answers, the belief or non belief of God and the yearning for love, with the devil on the one side and God on the other. Malek drifts in between two worlds and yet the reader doesn't get confused or lost. Khan, also uses the current political climate in the Middle East and in particular Iraq and ISIL as the backdrop of the story and how history plays a role in the same region.
Overall a great read and for a first time book for Imran Khan it is pretty good.
I had the pleasure of working with the author and knew about this book he was working on. The fact 'In truth Madness' covers so many subjects such as journalism, religion, history, poetry, and love to name a few then one can understand why he put so much time, effort and commitment to it.
The journey of the book is about answers, the belief or non belief of God and the yearning for love, with the devil on the one side and God on the other. Malek drifts in between two worlds and yet the reader doesn't get confused or lost. Khan, also uses the current political climate in the Middle East and in particular Iraq and ISIL as the backdrop of the story and how history plays a role in the same region.
Overall a great read and for a first time book for Imran Khan it is pretty good.
December 31, 2018
War correspondents see a lot of dark things and for Al Jazeera correspondent Malek Khalil it’s no different. Raised in a Muslim home, but an atheist, it’s understandable how people can lose faith in God when all they see is death and destruction in the form of massacres, bombings, and endless wars. Imran Khan’s In Truth, Madness is a fascinating read about how a journalist comes to terms with God in the most surreal of ways, a visit to where civilization began: ancient Babylon.
December 6, 2018
Easy, engaging read for some, at times, heavy content. A layer of fantasy pushes the story forward but also sits over a treatment of how a person deals with being so close to conflict, seeing people in their life die, and a personal struggle with faith.
March 19, 2019
Captures your attention
Unusual. Intriguing. After I got onto it, I couldn’t put it down. Is there an explanation for the constant dystopia that the Mid East displays?
Unusual. Intriguing. After I got onto it, I couldn’t put it down. Is there an explanation for the constant dystopia that the Mid East displays?
August 5, 2019
As a former journalist myself, I have always had a bit of a soft spot for novels that feature the Third Estate. I wasn’t a foreign correspondent like the author and the protagonist of his novel, but rather a current affairs and political journalist, but I traveled to my fair share of dangerous places (albeit not as dangerous as Iraq or Afghanistan) and have nothing but respect for those who do so. So it was that I came to In Truth, Madness by Imran Khan, a journalist who most recently has been a foreign correspondent for al-Jazeera English and who has reported from amongst other places as Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Palestine, and Libya.
In Truth, Madness is published by Unbound, the crowd-funding publisher, rather than a traditional publishing house. I’ve read a number of Unbound titles and they’ve all been extremely good, but they’ve all been a little quirky too, which might explain why they’ve been crowdfunded rather than found a home with a traditional publishing house. This goes for this title also. For while it could have been a story about a jaded journalist reporting in a war zone (and would have been perfectly good as such, a number of journalists have written very good novels along these lines) Khan does a little bit more.
The protagonist of In Truth, Madness is Malik Khalil, an experienced and brilliant journalist. He's been the world over, reporting on wars and natural disasters, witnessing more than his fair share of strife and misery. But unsurprisingly, it's taken its toll and all that trauma is catching up with him. As the story unfolds and he starts to unravel, he begins to argue with a God that he doesn't believe in.
I'll refrain from giving away more of the plot, for this is an excellent novel that needs to be read. It's a story that tells of what it is like to work as a war correspondent and the plot addresses the situation in the middle east. But In Truth, Madness also covers myth and religion, history, and much, much more. Another reviewer drew comparisons with the novel Frankenstein in Baghdad by Ahmed Saadawi, another novel that I’ve read and reviewed, and with its touch of magical realism, I have to agree that In Truth, Madness does indeed share many similarities with that work. There’s an increasing number of novels coming out of the Middle East and being translated into English, and while I’ve only read a few, magical realism is a way these authors try to make sense of the violent maelstrom that all too often wracks the region. While the author Imran Khan is British, his novel In Truth, Madness is very much in the tradition of these Middle Eastern novelists, and its narrative is a rich and compelling examination of a multitude of subjects.
In Truth, Madness is a beautifully written novel and has much to say about the troubles that plague the region, the reality of journalism, and humanity’s place in the world. This is a novel that addresses both earthly matters and the metaphysical such as belief in God. A thoughtful, compelling and original piece of literature, this is a fine read.
4 out of 5 stars
In Truth, Madness is published by Unbound, the crowd-funding publisher, rather than a traditional publishing house. I’ve read a number of Unbound titles and they’ve all been extremely good, but they’ve all been a little quirky too, which might explain why they’ve been crowdfunded rather than found a home with a traditional publishing house. This goes for this title also. For while it could have been a story about a jaded journalist reporting in a war zone (and would have been perfectly good as such, a number of journalists have written very good novels along these lines) Khan does a little bit more.
The protagonist of In Truth, Madness is Malik Khalil, an experienced and brilliant journalist. He's been the world over, reporting on wars and natural disasters, witnessing more than his fair share of strife and misery. But unsurprisingly, it's taken its toll and all that trauma is catching up with him. As the story unfolds and he starts to unravel, he begins to argue with a God that he doesn't believe in.
I'll refrain from giving away more of the plot, for this is an excellent novel that needs to be read. It's a story that tells of what it is like to work as a war correspondent and the plot addresses the situation in the middle east. But In Truth, Madness also covers myth and religion, history, and much, much more. Another reviewer drew comparisons with the novel Frankenstein in Baghdad by Ahmed Saadawi, another novel that I’ve read and reviewed, and with its touch of magical realism, I have to agree that In Truth, Madness does indeed share many similarities with that work. There’s an increasing number of novels coming out of the Middle East and being translated into English, and while I’ve only read a few, magical realism is a way these authors try to make sense of the violent maelstrom that all too often wracks the region. While the author Imran Khan is British, his novel In Truth, Madness is very much in the tradition of these Middle Eastern novelists, and its narrative is a rich and compelling examination of a multitude of subjects.
In Truth, Madness is a beautifully written novel and has much to say about the troubles that plague the region, the reality of journalism, and humanity’s place in the world. This is a novel that addresses both earthly matters and the metaphysical such as belief in God. A thoughtful, compelling and original piece of literature, this is a fine read.
4 out of 5 stars
October 31, 2023
Book : In truth Madness
Author : Imran Khan
Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Format : E Book
This story is that of a news correspondent, he works for a really popular news channel. The story charts Malek's journey and talks about his mental health and the instances of his day dreaming and how through those instances he finds himself transported to ancient Babylon and how certain mysterious occurances encounter Malek , he finds an ancient clay tablet find a way into his Kindle. The book contains many short stories, which are the case studies of different people and their deeds rendering it upon Malek to decide if they land up in heaven or in Hell ! would not like to say anything more in order to avoid giving away spoilers.
The book deals with multiple aspects , like that of mental health and talks about different cultures. It deals with the ancient times and also the modern world of journalism and reporting. The book has it all be it the discussion about various cultures and traditions , disturbances around the world or be it Malek's tackling of his mental health and his professional life and what it is like to be a journalist. I liked the portrayal of a really special workplace bond which developed between Malek , Neeka and Justin his co workers.
I have rated this one as a 4 out of 5 , since I found myself loosing interest at certain places , and lost the connect with the story, and the idea of Rubati was also something I couldnt get myself into , but this should not deter you from giving this book a chance , since all the readers are not the same. I might not be able to resonate with something I read in the same way like someone else would, so do give this one a read. Since it is a really relevant story for the current times and situations , specially that of the Middle East.
Author : Imran Khan
Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Format : E Book
This story is that of a news correspondent, he works for a really popular news channel. The story charts Malek's journey and talks about his mental health and the instances of his day dreaming and how through those instances he finds himself transported to ancient Babylon and how certain mysterious occurances encounter Malek , he finds an ancient clay tablet find a way into his Kindle. The book contains many short stories, which are the case studies of different people and their deeds rendering it upon Malek to decide if they land up in heaven or in Hell ! would not like to say anything more in order to avoid giving away spoilers.
The book deals with multiple aspects , like that of mental health and talks about different cultures. It deals with the ancient times and also the modern world of journalism and reporting. The book has it all be it the discussion about various cultures and traditions , disturbances around the world or be it Malek's tackling of his mental health and his professional life and what it is like to be a journalist. I liked the portrayal of a really special workplace bond which developed between Malek , Neeka and Justin his co workers.
I have rated this one as a 4 out of 5 , since I found myself loosing interest at certain places , and lost the connect with the story, and the idea of Rubati was also something I couldnt get myself into , but this should not deter you from giving this book a chance , since all the readers are not the same. I might not be able to resonate with something I read in the same way like someone else would, so do give this one a read. Since it is a really relevant story for the current times and situations , specially that of the Middle East.
March 3, 2024
This beautifully-written book takes readers on a thoroughly depressing journey as we accompany Malek, a TV news reporter, his producer Neeka and cameraman Justin from Baghdad to Kabul to Northern Pakistan and back again, and again, sent to report one human disaster after another in thirty-second news clips. Malek is also accompanied by his Kindle, that has been taken over by a djinn, Rubati. This fantastical character guides him through a book full of real-life short stories, each one culminating in a death, where she places Malek in the position of determining if the deceased goes to heaven or hell. I’m not sure whether I was more put off by this element of fantasy or the religious overtones, neither of which appeal to me – perhaps they’re the same thing. But I was won over by the quality of the writing and the insights into a Muslim attitude to life and religion, something largely alien to me but very interesting to learn about. I found the real-life scenes of reporting engrossing if disturbing, especially knowing they’re drawn from the author’s actual experiences. If I have one major criticism of the book it’s that, although each one is entertaining, there are too many embedded short story “heaven or hell” episodes, to the extent I found them getting tedious.
This book was recommended to me by an acquaintance; I’m glad she did, as it’s another one that I would have been unlikely to pick up otherwise.
This book was recommended to me by an acquaintance; I’m glad she did, as it’s another one that I would have been unlikely to pick up otherwise.
October 23, 2023
This was a really quite tough book to read given the topics involved.
It's definitely one to read through slowly and carefully so that it's content can be really taken in and for it to have full impact.
I have never been a huge watcher of the news and political affairs programmes as I find the constant negativity too much.
But having said that, I find books based on important events to have a really important place in literature.
In this book we follow Malek Khalil on a journey both physical and I guess spiritual too.
After decades reporting in some of the most dangerous locations including war zones and natural disaster sites, the devastation and losses that he's witnessed start to take its toll and he starts to questionthe futility if it all.
This was brilliantly written and I think that a lot of the content is taken from true experiences of the author.
The writing style switched from some of the most beautiful, thought-provoking passages to the brutal and stark realities. This worked well to contrast both the events and the state of Malek's mind and emotions.
The settings were important and we travel through the Middle East, Asia and back to the UK.
As we journey with Malek it really does feel like we fall down the rabbit hole with him. Musing on current affairs and humanity but also delving into the ancient world looking at faith and culture too.
One that takes a little more work than my usual read, but an important and enjoyable read all the same. I can't say it was enjoyable as such but I definitely feel fulfilled having read it.
It's definitely one to read through slowly and carefully so that it's content can be really taken in and for it to have full impact.
I have never been a huge watcher of the news and political affairs programmes as I find the constant negativity too much.
But having said that, I find books based on important events to have a really important place in literature.
In this book we follow Malek Khalil on a journey both physical and I guess spiritual too.
After decades reporting in some of the most dangerous locations including war zones and natural disaster sites, the devastation and losses that he's witnessed start to take its toll and he starts to questionthe futility if it all.
This was brilliantly written and I think that a lot of the content is taken from true experiences of the author.
The writing style switched from some of the most beautiful, thought-provoking passages to the brutal and stark realities. This worked well to contrast both the events and the state of Malek's mind and emotions.
The settings were important and we travel through the Middle East, Asia and back to the UK.
As we journey with Malek it really does feel like we fall down the rabbit hole with him. Musing on current affairs and humanity but also delving into the ancient world looking at faith and culture too.
One that takes a little more work than my usual read, but an important and enjoyable read all the same. I can't say it was enjoyable as such but I definitely feel fulfilled having read it.
October 24, 2023
Imran Khan's debut has been a thought provoking, insightful and well written story.
We get to follow international news correspondent Malek and his team to report from the Middle East, South Asia and the UK. The way the layer of myth and fantasy is being weaved into the storyline works really well giving us a view on the effects that war correspondents need to deal with. At times that also means pushing them to the edge of their mental health, struggling to get to terms with their beliefs in God or no God, good or evil, humanity, hope and love.
Really enjoyed Imran Khan's writing style and the stories we get to read alongside Malek, some harder to read than others.
----------
Quote following:
The country's blood pools like bronze or lead;
Its dead melt of themselves like fat in the sun…
Its men laid low by the axe, no helmet protects them;
Like a gazelle taken in a trap they lie, mouth in the dust;
The mothers and fathers who go not out of their houses are covered in fire;
The children in their mother's lap, like fishes, are borne away by the waters…
May this disaster be utterly undone!
Like the great barrier of the night, may the door be shut upon it!
We get to follow international news correspondent Malek and his team to report from the Middle East, South Asia and the UK. The way the layer of myth and fantasy is being weaved into the storyline works really well giving us a view on the effects that war correspondents need to deal with. At times that also means pushing them to the edge of their mental health, struggling to get to terms with their beliefs in God or no God, good or evil, humanity, hope and love.
Really enjoyed Imran Khan's writing style and the stories we get to read alongside Malek, some harder to read than others.
----------
Quote following:
The country's blood pools like bronze or lead;
Its dead melt of themselves like fat in the sun…
Its men laid low by the axe, no helmet protects them;
Like a gazelle taken in a trap they lie, mouth in the dust;
The mothers and fathers who go not out of their houses are covered in fire;
The children in their mother's lap, like fishes, are borne away by the waters…
May this disaster be utterly undone!
Like the great barrier of the night, may the door be shut upon it!
October 27, 2023
This book was just amazing for so many reasons. The book gives us insight to the lives of journalists, then insight into life in the Middle East and the various religions. On top of this it looks at mental health and relationships with Neil Gaiman style thrown in. The story just keeps you engaged from start to finish and I’m sure on a second reading I will discover things I missed.
The story centres on Malek who is a reporter. He goes through episodes similar to day dreaming and takes himself back in time to Babylon where he is given clay tablets. On coming out of this dream like state he discovers this tablet has been transformed into a book on his kindle and from there a strange journey begins that has Malek questioning everything even his own sanity.
I can’t say much more than that without spoilers but I repeat again, this is a must read book. Congratulations to Imran Khan for such a fantastic piece of fiction that feels real even in the unreal.
The story centres on Malek who is a reporter. He goes through episodes similar to day dreaming and takes himself back in time to Babylon where he is given clay tablets. On coming out of this dream like state he discovers this tablet has been transformed into a book on his kindle and from there a strange journey begins that has Malek questioning everything even his own sanity.
I can’t say much more than that without spoilers but I repeat again, this is a must read book. Congratulations to Imran Khan for such a fantastic piece of fiction that feels real even in the unreal.
October 23, 2023
Passion really does makes you feel things - and sometimes do things too. The narrative skillfully intertwines their professional synergy with Khalil's personal voyage, where his atheistic beliefs clash with an unexpected spiritual exploration.
The backdrop extends beyond contemporary chaos, reaching back to ancient Babylon, adding a layer of complexity. Although the word building toes between the creative and news worthy line of journalism, still the book delves into the intricate dynamics of journalism, exploring the toll it takes on the individual and the fine line between reporting and personal unraveling.
The backdrop extends beyond contemporary chaos, reaching back to ancient Babylon, adding a layer of complexity. Although the word building toes between the creative and news worthy line of journalism, still the book delves into the intricate dynamics of journalism, exploring the toll it takes on the individual and the fine line between reporting and personal unraveling.
October 24, 2023
NOTE: the cover image and info above are for the previous version, this brilliant book has since been reissued by Breakthrough Books and you can only get the ebook - and new paperbacks - through them on Amazon, but also on order from bookshops.
A fascinating, timely, gripping, thoughtful, enlightening and moving novel. An adventure through a psyche on the edge, through ancient and modern landscapes and cultures, through an augmented imagination and stories within stories that have powerful repercussions.
A fascinating, timely, gripping, thoughtful, enlightening and moving novel. An adventure through a psyche on the edge, through ancient and modern landscapes and cultures, through an augmented imagination and stories within stories that have powerful repercussions.
November 6, 2023
This book will win your heart with its well-written prose about a journalist's soul-defining adventure. Written in the lyrical style, Imran Khan's narrative is captivating and charming and you will think of his voice long after you have put the book down. I am very pleased to have found this book. Highly recommended.
November 26, 2019
Beautiful Magical Thrilling
Malek is an Al Jazeera reporter who is on the brink of knowing who he is, but he has the fight of his life, in his mind or in another world, to make it through before he will. This ultimately joyful and romantic book reminded me of Gaiman, if Gaiman took faith seriously and not just as an immaterial symptom of human materiality. If Gaiman had experienced civilizational suffering and had some hard and sincere questions for God. It’s a thrilling story. There are real risks. Real places. Real questions at stake. I loved it.
Malek is an Al Jazeera reporter who is on the brink of knowing who he is, but he has the fight of his life, in his mind or in another world, to make it through before he will. This ultimately joyful and romantic book reminded me of Gaiman, if Gaiman took faith seriously and not just as an immaterial symptom of human materiality. If Gaiman had experienced civilizational suffering and had some hard and sincere questions for God. It’s a thrilling story. There are real risks. Real places. Real questions at stake. I loved it.
September 12, 2019
3.5/5 Rounded up to 4
https://thecaffeinatedreader.com/2019...
It’s always great when someone uses their knowledge to enhance a story and Khan used his experience and knowledge to such a great advantage to bring us this book. In Truth, Madness reads a lot like speculative/contemporary fiction but it keeps throwing curveballs with the inclusion of the book and the fantasy undertones. There’s this question put to Malek now in his 40s whether there’s a god, he’s staunch in his lack of belief. But what happens to his lack of faith when he’s suddenly and seemingly given the power to determine a person’s fate, or at least weigh in.
And is this really such a heavenly gift?
Up to a certain point, it all flows together in supreme cohesion but eventually Khan guides and Malek toward the deeper depths of his novel and it’s at that point where it almost felt like I was reading another book. Still, it was so enjoyable and the whole time you are as much in the dark as Malek, you may have hints or inklings but there’s no sure way of knowing the truth. What’s real and what’s fake? Is this a mental breakdown from seeing the many horrid truths there are in the world or is this something greater than Malek?
He has a huge spiritual journey and not just in the faith of possible religion but in his own personal growth and it’s interesting to see how his life evolves, including his relationships with those he works with.
I really enjoyed this read and found myself being put through a read that I both appreciated for its honesty of the world and its problems and the heart it had in its faith, which rested quite a bit on humanity.
Thank you to Unbounders and Anne Cater for a copy of this to review honestly as part of the blog tour.
https://thecaffeinatedreader.com/2019...
It’s always great when someone uses their knowledge to enhance a story and Khan used his experience and knowledge to such a great advantage to bring us this book. In Truth, Madness reads a lot like speculative/contemporary fiction but it keeps throwing curveballs with the inclusion of the book and the fantasy undertones. There’s this question put to Malek now in his 40s whether there’s a god, he’s staunch in his lack of belief. But what happens to his lack of faith when he’s suddenly and seemingly given the power to determine a person’s fate, or at least weigh in.
And is this really such a heavenly gift?
Up to a certain point, it all flows together in supreme cohesion but eventually Khan guides and Malek toward the deeper depths of his novel and it’s at that point where it almost felt like I was reading another book. Still, it was so enjoyable and the whole time you are as much in the dark as Malek, you may have hints or inklings but there’s no sure way of knowing the truth. What’s real and what’s fake? Is this a mental breakdown from seeing the many horrid truths there are in the world or is this something greater than Malek?
He has a huge spiritual journey and not just in the faith of possible religion but in his own personal growth and it’s interesting to see how his life evolves, including his relationships with those he works with.
I really enjoyed this read and found myself being put through a read that I both appreciated for its honesty of the world and its problems and the heart it had in its faith, which rested quite a bit on humanity.
Thank you to Unbounders and Anne Cater for a copy of this to review honestly as part of the blog tour.
January 29, 2024
In Truth, Madness follows an emotionally jaded Malek as he embarks on a journey into the past, future and present.
Teamed up with a Djinn, his Kindle, and two colleagues.
Imran Khan manages to blend realism with a fictional powerfulness in this book, the thread of magic and madness is an interesting insight into Malek's experiences.
This novel is very much political and religious, it has a strong and powerful feeling with the main character Malek and it gave me a greater insight into a different culture.
This book I can imagine being divided in opinions, I thought it was a great read, it prompted me to actually think about the story I was reading.
Teamed up with a Djinn, his Kindle, and two colleagues.
Imran Khan manages to blend realism with a fictional powerfulness in this book, the thread of magic and madness is an interesting insight into Malek's experiences.
This novel is very much political and religious, it has a strong and powerful feeling with the main character Malek and it gave me a greater insight into a different culture.
This book I can imagine being divided in opinions, I thought it was a great read, it prompted me to actually think about the story I was reading.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews