An International Spy Thriller

Author: Judit Neurink

This international spy thriller by Judit Neurink beautifully aligns with the expectations set by her earlier works. Once again, Judit masterfully evokes the gripping atmosphere found amidst the turmoil of the Arab countries, Iran and Iraq. The struggles fought from Kurdish camps feel incredibly close. Her love for these countries and their people shines through in the story. A must-read for anyone who feels connected to the region or wants to learn more about it. Ultimately, the people living there turn out to resemble us in many ways, even while they navigate vastly different circumstances. As the story unfolds, the author reveals herself to be an incurable romantic.

Suzan is a photojournalist who, on one of her trips abroad in Iraq, falls head over heels for a French colleague, Nicolas. Both are searching for stories about displaced people in the region. Nick also delves into the plight of Kurdish refugees from Syria. They fall in love, but their relationship must end. Back in the Netherlands after their affair, years later, she sees her beloved on television under a different name. This triggers her to uncover who this man really is. Driven by her passion for Nick, she returns to where it all began, throwing herself into a thrilling adventure. Nothing is as it seems, and in doing so, she also puts herself in danger.

In the afterword, Judit notes that journalistic instincts are not easily denied. This is exactly what comes through in this story, which is partially fictional yet also traces historical events. I am curious to see what happens to this author’s storytelling when she lets go of journalism, leaves history behind, and uses her talent purely in the realm of imagination.

So far, all her stories are tied to the Middle East. She has written 11 books in total. As a correspondent for Trouw, De Standaard, NOS, and other international media outlets, she has written extensively about the region. Her books combine suspense with romance and are wonderfully easy to read.

June Nods
2024
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