Masha Hamilton Book order

A mother's instinct drives her to seek her son Jonas, who is in a precarious situation in a New York safe house, contemplating a violent act linked to his recent conversion to Islam. As he grapples with his choices, his absence triggers a ripple effect in the lives of those who care for him, including his girlfriend Vic. The narrative explores the complex relationships between parents and their children, highlighting themes of connection and disconnection across cultural divides, particularly between the U.S. and the Middle East.

Once a fortnight, the nomadic settlement of Madidima, set deep in the dusty Kenyan desert, awaits the arrival of three camels laden down with panniers of books. This is the Camel Bookmobile, a scheme set up to bring books to scattered tribes whose daily life is dominated by drought, famine and disease. Into their world comes an unexpected wealth of literature - from the adventures of Tom Sawyer to strange vegetarian cookbooks and Dr Seuss. Kanika, a young girl who lives with her grandmother, devours every book she can lay her hands on. Her best friend is Scar Boy, a child who was mauled at the age of three by a hyena. They are joined by Matani the village teacher, his alluring wife Jwahir and the drummaker Abayomi, as well as Mr Abasi, the camel driver, who is convinced that one of the camels is possessed by the spirit of his dead mother-in-law. The only condition of The Camel Bookmobile is that every book must be returned or else the visits will cease. Then one day a book is stolen...

Set against the backdrop of an ongoing war, the narrative follows a war correspondent grappling with the loss of both her lover and her emotional detachment in a single, devastating moment. The story explores themes of love, loss, and the impact of conflict on personal connections, delving into the struggles of maintaining humanity amidst chaos.

Set against the backdrop of Transjordan before the 1967 war, the story explores a young girl's haunting memories of a forbidden love affair, intertwining themes of nostalgia and rivalry. As old conflicts resurface, the narrative captures the intensity of emotions and the impact of the past, all framed by the harsh desert landscape. The novel's rich prose and compelling character dynamics create an immersive experience that resonates with both fear and longing.