Electric Souk

Due to heartache Irish Aisling Finn travels to the colourful world of the Arabian desert where life is exuberant and dangerous amidst the 2011 revolutions …In Dublin, Aisling met the Professor (Prof) for the first time and for Aisling his answer to her question “where are you from” is unforgettable, “I was born in a book.” This was the beginning of a friendship between the student and lecturer on, among other topics, neurology and Persian poetry. Their love for poetry bound their friendship until His Highness, Sheik Fariq, ordered the Prof to come home and start working on health reforms, a “great honour that could not be refused.” After a painful parting, Aisling is only too happy to follow the Prof and work for him as a media strategist for the new free community health clinics, funded by Sheik Fariq. It is the Sheik’s belief that this is the only way to alleviate the devastating WHO statistics on health in the Arabic world.The story is a whirlwind of events, of colourful characters, deceit and (fake) friendships, of alcoholic parties and Islamic law set against Arabic Spring in 2011. If you think this is an easy novel – think again. The book forces you to focus and remember who is who because, just like life in the Arabian desert felt to Aisling when she came there, it is an overwhelming tale of living in extreme circumstances, of completely losing yourself but at the same time be vigilant because the law is bendable and strict at the same time. I had difficulty getting into the story, again like Aisling. The mix of Western and Middle-Eastern life can be too much but at the same time, it is an opportunity to gain insight into living in the Arabian desert. You simply have to read the book yourself which also includes the universal topics of love and betrayal, of coping with loss and society’s inequality. Only Electric Souk is so much more exciting!

The thing that makes Urbane Publications stand out from other publishers is their dynamic and beautifully printed books that rival no others. "Electric Souk" written by debut novelist Rose McGinty is no exception - every page is a work of art and if that doesn't draw you into the book then the enticing and intriguing blurb will.Aisling leaves Ireland to start a new job in the Middle East and hopefully live the Arabian dream. Unfortunately it doesn't go to plan and before long, lies, distrust and creeping paranoia starts to become a way of life for her. Her only hope is her friend's brother Hisham, but who can she really trust in this thrilling novel about loyalties and treachery?I was particularly intrigued by the opening prologue 'An Eye for an Eye' and at the end of the book I went back and read it again.The author really has written a truly fantastic story, with such vivid and colourful descriptions, you can't help but feel you are actually there with the sights, smells and sounds. I don't think I've ever read a book before that is described in so much wonderful detail - the climate, the culture, familial traditions all so gloriously written -you just know how passionate the author is about this part of the world and her obvious experience of living there herself really shines through. It was also interesting to read about how women are expected to behave and how they are treated.There are some great characters - some you like, some you won't - and it was so easy to hear their individual regional accents when reading the book. There's a lot of tension towards the end and I can't imagine how frightening it must be for families during uprisings and troubles throughout the Middle East.For a highly entertaining read with a climatic and thrilling end I can't recommend "Electric Souk" enough - it's certainly a book I will read again and which now has pride and place on my book shelf.A well deserved 'electrifying' 5 stars!!

Electric Souk by Rose McGinty is by far an interesting read. It instantly takes readers on an epic journey. A young woman leaves her homeland for work in another country. A country full of war, distrust, and danger. The stakes are high. Never knowing who to trust, Aisling Finn puts her life in the hands of those around her. Spies, secret police, and work fill her days. At first, the novel shows Aisling following people as they live a fast life full of drinking and good times. But fear hangs deeply in the air. I never knew what to expect next. Rose McGinty writes a superb novel. Suspense, intrigue, and the mysterious lure of what may come. Electric Souk is definitely an electrifying tale. Resistance, destruction, and secrets on every page. The intensity builds. The charcaters are written in a way that visually tugs readers further into the book. Loyalties and deception are major these surrounding these interesting charcaters. Overall, I highly recommend reading Electric Souk to all.I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.

I received a free copy from Netgallery in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed reading book. Highly recommend it.

A superb debut novel from an author who clearly has a lot of tale-telling to brings us over the coming years.The characterisation is strong and well drawn, never feeling over-done or forced. The location feels both unique and familiar. McGinty's deft writing brings the Middle Eastern world to life without coming across as simplistic or 'western'.Tension builds throughout until the author brings the world of her characters into conflict with the Arab Spring. At which point there is a palpable sense of dread and fear. THis is handled superbly well by McGinty.It is fantastic how the author has used her own experiences of living and working in this world to build this semi-autobiographical tale of manners and mystery. I can't wait to read her next novel!

This was a gripping read from McGinty. Aisling sets out to fall in love and have an adventure in an Arabian world that turns out to be somewhat different to what she has imagined. Her naivety is torn away when she finds herself embroiled in a coup which puts her life at risk. She does find love, of a sort, but she loses almost everything else through difficult betrayals. I loved the fascinating glimpses into an alien culture, the sense of heat and danger, and not knowing who to trust. An impressive debut from an author I will follow.

This is an atmospheric adventure into a world full of financial shenanigans, office politics and paranoia all set against the backdrop of the Arab Spring. It's clear the author has first-hand experience of the region from her realistic portrayal of life in North Africa. The madness of the character's situation seems to be accepted a bit too easily at first, until the consequences start becoming very threatening. The pacey writing slightly jarred with the way the plot slipped past sometimes weeks at a time, but that's a minor quibble. Enjoyable.

'Ireland's gone bust, and with it Aisling Finn's life. She flees austerity for adventure in the desert. But the Arabia she finds is not that of her dreams.'So begins the blurb on the back of the book and sets the pace for an exotic adventure that turns to fear. Electric Souk is a compelling mixture of love, lust and intrigue, fuelled by bored expats, sociopathic businessmen and the shadowy world that is the Middle East. A superb read, not only for the thrill of the story but also the fascinating insight into the veiled life of Arabic culture.

I really enjoyed this novel. Rose McGinty is a very fine writer. Excellent characterisation and description of setting. Aisling is a captivating narrator, both sympathetic and fully rounded. The novel is well-paced and very well structured. Clearly, Rose McGinty knows a lot about this part of the world, as well as the experience of being essentially an outsider in such an environment. Aisling loses much of her previously held romanticism about the Arabian world, yet never becomes cynical. A very impressive debut novel.