Title: Dubai the Jungle: The Reason Behind Closing the Zoo
Author: Abdulla AlQatami
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 9781546220428
Pages: 318
Genre: Science Fiction
Reviewed by: Liz Konkel
Pacific Book Review
Dubai the Jungle begins with an attack at the zoo, turning a peaceful place into one of terror when the animals begin exhibiting strange symptoms just before suddenly attacking everyone in sight. Police Commander Omar takes the case and when confronting the animals, he notes the strange black blood from a bear which points him in the direction of a virus. This leads Omar to the scientist Dr. Baber who claims to be innocent and goes on the run to prove this to be true. While they investigate the case, Yasir is also on the scientist’s trail turning to an important woman in Omar’s life to turn Dr. Baber’s life around but the presence of Dr. Baber forces her to make a decision to either whereabouts. Sally has worked to repay her debt to Yasir and turn against Omar, or put her life in danger for loyalty.
The opening has a serene tone as Abdulla AlQatami follows Saeed as he prepares to go to work at the zoo. The descriptions of the animals show them as calm and lovable creatures with subtle foreshadows which lead to a sudden change in the animals and an attack on the employees. These docile-seeming animals become deadly with violent scenes of the animals attacking, but AlQatami is quick to show the other side to the animals. In a moment where Omar fights against a bear, he sees a break from the violence with emotion in its eyes revealing the animals’ true more gentle nature. This opening acts as the center of the mystery by setting up the plot, characters, and the theme of human nature.
The story weaves through various perspectives introducing a variety of characters connected in some way to the zoo attack. Saeed is the first perspective, a man with a simple yet happy life which is quickly destroyed. His presence opens the mystery and delving into the loss and fear caused as a result. From there the story morphs from being about animal nature to exploring human nature through an assortment of characters with questionable morals. Omar is a cop tasked with solving the case and is first met hunting the animals, showing a sympathy and connection toward them. He believes in helping mankind and honestly does what he can to reach out to help people which is seen in his relationship with Sally. He’s an interesting contrast to Yasir, who is seen threatening people, selling drugs, and has a gritty persona about him. He doesn’t put a great deal of thought into the well-being of others, only caring about his own goals.
The story also follows Dr. Bader who is in the middle of the situation, taking the blame and accusations of setting loose the virus. The investigation shows this human and gritty underbelly with characters who all play an angle or simply trying to make it through the day. Most of the characters are faced with choosing right from wrong, often landing in a gray middle area. Starting with a violent animal attack, the story quickly progresses to a mystery with suspense and action as these characters all search for Dr. Bader who tries to stay a step ahead to prove his innocence.
Serious themes covered include drugs, kidnapping, and the darker side of human nature. Dubai the Jungle is a suspenseful read with mystery, action, danger, and an assortment of characters who will keep you guessing until the end.
