Iâm an author because I was a reader who loved to be transported to a world and land outside my own. My favorite books are the ones that introduce me to a place and time Iâve never been, an immersive read that brings me somewhere new. I believe in the power of story and the magic of its transport. Come along with me and discover a few books that do this very thing.
This novel took me deep into an African safari, a place I have never been anywhere but this breathtaking novel. Both a mystery and an emotional ride, I felt as though Iâd been on a safari, from the aroma of a nearby lioness to the fear of being stranded in an unforgiving landscape.
The story is about an A-list actress named Katie Barstow and her entourage who trek to Africa for a civilized adventure. Of course, it doesnât stay civilized when a kidnapping goes wrong, and they are left in the wild lands of Africa. Who lives? Who dies? Itâs a mystery, a thrill ride, and an immersive read.
NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER ⢠A Washington Post Best Book of the Year ⢠A luxurious African safari turns deadly for a Hollywood starlet and her entourage in this riveting historical thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of The Flight Attendant.
"The best possible combination of Hemingway and Agatha Christie â a gorgeously written story about the landscape and risks of Africa, whose edge-of-your-seat plot makes it impossible to put down.â âJodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Wish You Were Here
Tanzania, 1964. When Katie Barstow, A-list actress, and her new husband, David Hill,âŚ
My passion for historical fiction writing stems from a lifelong interest in history and a love for creating stories that have rich characters, with deep and meaningful personalities. My interest in history led me to study the subject at university, which has worked hand-in-hand with the pleasure I get from writing. Researching stories is another aspect that I enjoy, and it has seen me travel to destinations all over the world, where I have made some wonderful friendships.
I have included When The Lion Feeds because it is the first âgrown upâ book that I read as a young person.
It was many years ago, but Wilbur Smithâs novel had a big impact on me with his descriptive writing drawing me into the South African setting. The characters in Smithâs novel make for a strong and powerful narrative, and his imagery is captivating.
In many ways, When The Lions Feed is what could be described as a page-turner. I had mentioned in another review that an indicator of a good story is when the reader feels that they know the character(s), and it is certainly the case with this book.
Frequent visits to my parentsâ Maltese homeland from the time I was very young piqued my interest in the islandâs opulent history. Life under the rule of the Knights of St John fascinated me most. The Maltese Islands lend themselves very well to literary descriptionsâgifted with four compass points of natural beauty, the smell of the sea constant no matter how far inland one might venture, ancient temples that predate the pyramids of Egypt. It was during a pre-college trip to Malta in July 2000 that the idea to write a novel based on the Siege of 1565 took root, thanks to a visit to the Malta Experience in Valletta.
This powerful graphic novel illustratesâliterally and figurativelyâthe many casualties of religious conflict. Set in Baghdad in 2003 and told from the perspective of a pride of lions, this book captures the struggle for survival, the loss of innocence, and the collateral damage inflicted by war. A clear allegory, this book has proven an excellent teaching tool. The Pride of Baghdad raises important questions about clashing viewpoints, loyalty, sectarian violence, the true price of war, and who, ultimately, pays it. Although narrated by four lions, the story offers a heartbreakingly realistic glimpse into Iraq during the US-led invasion, the consequences of which reverberate still. As I watch the terrible events playing out daily in Ukraine, my mind drifts back to this book, and I am reminded that past is prologue. We are witnesses right now. And may we all be on the right side of history.
Written by Brian K. Vaughn Art by Niko Henrichon In the spring of 2003, a pride of lions escapes from the Baghdad Zoo during an American bombing raid. Lost and confused, hungry but finally free, the four lions roamed the decimated streets of Baghdad in a desperate struggle for their lives. In documenting the plight of the lions, PRIDE OF BAGHDAD raises questions about the true meaning of liberation - can it be given, or is it earned only through self-determination and sacrifice? And in the end, is it truly better to die free than to live in captivity?
