The Carrier

At the start of the 17^th century, Rashid a-Kenzy lies rotting in prison for a murder he didn't commit. The Dey of Algiers makes him a tempting offer: his life and freedom in return for completing a difficult mission.

He is asked to travel north to Europe in search of a mysterious Dutch optical device, one of the first telescopes invented. But the knowledge that Rashid gains about science and the stars challenges his own faith and beliefs, and could prove much more valuable, and more dangerous, than a telescope...

Bold, brave and hypnotic...The strength of the book lies in its richness of texture, in the author's ability to conjure place and mood; to entice us with lush poetry yet keep the plot running strong...This novel has much to recommend it.

Literary Review