Book Jacket

 

rank 5634
word count 17037
date submitted 03.09.2010
date updated 04.09.2010
genres: Fiction, Literary Fiction, Thriller...
classification: universal
incomplete

The Reluctant Humanitarian

S.Y. Haddad

Charles is sent to work in a warzone. There he is faced with a question: where do you draw the line between good and evil?

 

Somalia has collapsed and the society lies in ruins, slowly devouring itself and forgotten by the world. As people desperately try to escape, some risk their lives to seek safety across the pirate-infested waters of the Gulf of Aden, in Yemen. Yemen is a country on the brink. Tribal warfare seeks to break down the very fabric of the society, and al-Qaeda roams freely in the tribal highlands of this beautiful yet rugged terrain. Charles Moriarty is a city lawyer from London who wants a change. Salamander, a world-famous humanitarian organization, sends him to Yemen to collect testimonies from Somalis crossing the Gulf of Aden. Here he comes face to face with despair and destruction, meeting other humanitarians, each with their own motivations. As Yemen itself slowly descends into chaos, he is faced with tough decisions and an important question: Where do you draw the line between good and evil? This story traces the experiences of Charles Moriarty as he navigates the complex world of humanitarian aid work. The characters he meets along the way slip back and forth across this fine line in a high-stress, high-action post-apocalyptic environment. One thing is certain: nothing is ever black and white.

 
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tags

aid, conflict, humanitarian, morality, refugees, somalia, war, yemen

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10 comments

 

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Nasim Golaid wrote 823 days ago

Wonderful writing, you have captured the scenes fantastically and I feel as if I am part of the story itself!
well worth the backing!

Good Luck

Nasim
Freedom of Peace

missyfleming_22 wrote 941 days ago

An amazing piece of work. You do have some odd formatting quirks. (Click on Read the Book and you'll see the black spots I'm talking about) but that doesn't take away from the power this novel has. Humanitarian work is probably one of the most noble things a person can do and it's also one of the least recognized. I think books like this should be out there because it's not just something we can ignore.

I like your main character and you've got a great ear for dialogue. You can set a scene vividly, like the prologue. I experienced that with all of my senses, which is rare. I'm on chapter 3 but want to finish and I will. He's just arriving and I want to know what is coming next.

Good job with this!
Missy
Mark of Eternity

Bocri wrote 942 days ago

I can't fault any part of your writing, this is a powerful story and your style is spot on. Everything moves at a good pace and the reader genuinely cares for your characters. Only one point, the format doesn't show speech marks and I find it hard to read without them. It might be worth editing your work to ensure the SM are there.
Backed
Robert Davidson
THE TUZLA RUN

yasmin esack wrote 945 days ago

This is a fantastic work of fiction that tell us much of what is true. a true gift to many to warn of the scourge of war and inhumanity

Backed months ago
The nind setter

eurodan49 wrote 945 days ago

As someone who knows a little about the area you depict I found your story interesting.
You do a good balance of narration (with plenty of :showing” not just :telling”) and dialogue. The voice is strong and aptly tells the story of what those people went through.
I like it and I’m backing it…hope you’ll find representation.
Dan
PS. Could you pls check mine> Comment/backing will be appreciated.

eurodan49 wrote 945 days ago

As someone who knows a little about the area you depict I found your story interesting.
You do a good balance of narration (with plenty of :showing” not just :telling”) and dialogue. The voice is strong and aptly tells the story of what those people went through.
I like it and I’m backing it…hope you’ll find representation.
Dan
PS. Could you pls check mine> Comment/backing will be appreciated.

Barry Wenlock wrote 968 days ago

Hi SY,
I'm afraid i only had time to read your prologue but I was most impressed.It's a great opening with the sick child and Amma on the boat. What terrible danger she is in. This is good work and I'll read more once this month is over and I have more time.
In the meantime, backed with pleasure.
best wishes,
Barry
LITTLE KRISNA AND THE BIHAR BOYS

name falied moderation wrote 995 days ago

Dear S Y

I have started to read your writing and must say that it is compelling. Already you have established your animated characters in my head, ( they are not leaving soon) and i feel strongly to back your book now. What talent, and ability to craft such a read. I do wish to be part of your climb to the top on this site. CONGRATS and I will comment more as I read more

Please take a moment to look, COMMENT which is important to me, and BACK my book. if not that is OK also
The VERY best of luck to you

BACKED BY ME FOR SURE.
Denise
The Letter

name falied moderation wrote 995 days ago

Dear S Y

I have your book and some others on my WL at present. just started readin and will comment in little while

Denise
The Letter

SusieGulick wrote 995 days ago

Dear S.Y., I love that you have shared the tragedy of these abused people. :) I weep as I see the mistreatment. ;( My life has had lots of hardships which I bemoan, but it could be oh so much worse, when I read your story. "Lord, have mercy," I pray, "on all of the oppressed & abused." Thank you for letting us know what is really happening in the world. :) I've backed your book :) - could you please take a moment to back mine? :) Thanks so very much. :) Love, Susie :)

This is information from authonomy (so beware of any other untrue information you may receive that is spam & not quotes of authonomy):
"When you back a book, it only improves the ranking of that book, not yours. However, the author whose book you are backing may decide to back your book also, in which case yes, your ranking would be improved"
"Every time you place a book on your bookshelf, your recommendation pushes the book up the rankings. And while that book sits on your bookshelf, your reputation as a talent spotter increases depending on how well that book performs."

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