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A gripping plot, a potboiler romance set in compelling times of turbulence. All of the above makes this book an irresistible proposition for any bibliophile.

The story trespasses geographies but its roots are set in Alexandria and traces about five decades of turmoil in Egypt. The book is not a mere description of cheesy love affairs and fierce battlegrounds.   The book also gives the reader an insightful account of life in the Middle Eastern countries. The story is set around the incorrigible bond of love between mother and daughter and the romantic liaison between a servant girl Karima and an heir of an English cotton-plantation owner in Egypt. The passionate love has an offspring- Nadia. The twist in tale is a surprise for readers. All I wish to disclose is that Nadia is misplaced and is brought by a Parisian couple, as “Gabrielle”. Karima meanwhile becomes a star singer and all this while mourns for her daughter. As fate would have it, the mother and daughter reunite and form the backbone of the saga.

Soheir Khashoggi is the sister of high profile Arab author and has used her influence to bring to the notice the plight of women in her region to the world. Her novel Mirage was a best seller and highly acclaimed literary work.

I would say the book is racy read for any weekend. It cannot be classified as pulp fiction or a serious novella. It lies somewhere in between, but to the delight of the readers. If you are looking for easy read, then you should definitely give this book a try.