The Good Son
by Michael Gruber
Henry Holt Publisher
Here is a story of East-West relations for the reader who loves a good thriller. The author seems to have such a knowledge of events and factions in the Middle East, that the book springs right off the pages of the daily newspapers.
Sonia Laghari, raised in the circus life by her Polish parents, now a Jungian psychologist and a religious woman, has fetched up in Lahore, Pakistan. She is with a team of people interested in furthering peace in the area. Their help would be in the form of a conference to exchange ideas. Her group of eight, include two Quakers, a Catholic Priest, a Telecom billionaire, an Indian psychiatrist, and other experts on the history and culture of the area.
On their way to a summerhouse owned by the Laghari family, where the conference is to be held, she and her party are captured by Mujahideen, and imprisoned. They are promised a each time there is an unjust (in their eyes) killing, then one of the captives will be beheaded. Sonia becomes the leader of the group. She is good with words, knows the languages of the area and, though raised a Catholic in America, has become a Muslim. Her life has included many adventures and she is also conversant with Sufi beliefs.
Word filters out into the compound that Sonia can interpret dreams, so there is a steady stream of men wanting to tell her their dreams. Many good Muslims have reservations about their killing role as terrorists. She must walk a fine line for her interpretations must have basis in Muslim scripture.
Back in America, Sonia’s family become aware of the capture. It is considered by many that the Telecom billionaire would be a good subject for ransom, and that perhaps American interests would be mounting a rescue.
Sonia Laghari had one son Theo, and two daughters. Her husband is well off and the family has political connections in high places.
Theo has been a part of the American military, he speaks the languages of the middle east and knows where the captives are situated.
It soon becomes evident that the Americans will not be making a move to save them, since the Pakistan political scene will stand nothing that seems to be interference. When the beheadings begin, Sonia uses all her skills to befriend those who hold them captive. She is a woman in a land run by males. Still, she is a Muslim, and a devout one.
As each captive is chosen for execution, they are allowed to make a statement.
These represent some of the best writing in the book. We, as readers, are led from a western view to a better understanding of the problems. Meanwhile, Theo is on his way to rescue his mother. Will he make it in time?
This is a fast paced, complicated story with romance, nuclear bombs, revenge, political speeches, gun fights and beheadings. A great read!
Peggy Freeman is a freelance writer living in Red Deer.