Title: Downfall
Author: Dr. Mohsen El-Guindy
Publisher: AuthorHouseUK
ISBN: 9781504939999
Pages: 564
Genre: Fiction
Reviewed by: Anita Lock
Pacific Book Review
It was 1996 during training exercises between American and Egyptian soldiers when a helicopter crashed, and the troops aboard died instantly. Colonel Kenny Walker, the commander of the American Special Forces, would have been among the dead if Egyptian Special Deputy Commander Omar Abdel Aziz had not come to the rescue. The two become friends. Kenny invites Omar to spend time with him and his supposed wife Jennifer in America. Omar and Jennifer become acquainted with one another; after hearing about Omar’s strict Muslim beliefs, Jennifer confesses that she and Omar are not married since Kenny has no interest in committing, but she does. Even though Omar finds Jennifer to be very attractive he knows the best thing to do is to convince Kenny to marry her.
Years later and assigned in Kosovo, Omar has orders to assist Elizabeth Rosh, the U.S. President’s daughter, on her humanitarian mission to refugee camps. Shots ring out as Omar and Elizabeth head toward Prekaz. While keeping a wary eye out for Serbian attacks, Omar and Elizabeth grow close. Once they safely make their way to Prekaz and her mission is complete, the two sadly part ways. Almost a year passes, and Elizabeth still can’t get Omar out of her mind. Elizabeth agrees to marry a U.S. senator even though she is not in love with him. Just as she is trying to move on with her life, Elizabeth receives a dinner invitation to honor the new Egyptian ambassador who happens to be Omar.
Dr. Mohsen El-Guindy addresses all things Muslim in his romantic thriller Downfall. While much of the plot focuses on Omar and Elizabeth’s relationship, El-Guindy spends significant portions of his third person narrative explaining the Muslim faith, the plight of Muslims in situations such as Kosovo and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, as well as political tension with the U.S. government.
Scenes vary from detailed dialogue—religious and otherwise, sexual tension between Omar and Elizabeth, a graphic battle and conflict segments (Kosovo and Palestine). El-Guindy presents flawed characters trying to make sense of life in a senseless world. Omar’s strict Muslim values clash not only with an American cast that only seeks selfish desires and materialism but also with situations he has to face (understanding women and jihad).
Because of stereotypical figures—at least initially (i.e., righteous Muslims; sinful Americans) and hefty religious dialogue scenes, readers may find the two narrative styles hinder rather than help in the plot’s flow. Downfall may not be designed for broad audience appeal. It is an interesting read though, especially for those who desire to understand what’s happening politically from a Middle Eastern point of view.
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