MY REVIEW:
The Topkapi Secret is a well written and obviously thoroughly researched novel that delves into the secrets of the Koran that devout Muslims do not want to be made public. The narrative hops from one location to the next and from one character to another for nearly the first half of the book, which made it a bit difficult for me to get into. Once it settled into the story of Angela and Mohammed, it was a bit easier to follow. The book is filled with a wealth of facts about the Koran, Muslim lifestyle and history, and the Mideast – primarily Jordan, Palestine, and Istanbul.
Expecting a fast moving, suspenseful novel, I was soon overwhelmed by all the details which totally overshadowed everything else. I was never able to relate to any of the characters and the suspenseful scenes were brief and unsatisfying. Frankly, it took me several days to read as I had difficulty staying awake. I am usually able to read a book in less than a day. I am sure that most of my problems with The Topkapi Secret were due to my own personal preferences. Others with different tastes will probably find it riveting.
This book was provided for review by Rebeca Seitz with Glass Road Public Relations.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
American professor Angela Hall’s world is falling apart. Left with two things: her money and her job, she sets out to research women’s issues in The Middle East. Until she crosses paths with Mohammed Atareek…
Mohammed is a man on a mission. Raised in the Muslim faith, he has learned something no Muslim is supposed to know: the Koran of today is not the original. Could it be true? Mohammed will risk his life to find out.
When Angela’s and Mohammed’s worlds collide, sparks fly–both from their hearts and the tempers of the terrorists following them.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Terry Kelhawk is an award-wining speaker, writer, and teacher with significant personal and professional experience with Islam and the Middle East.
In Terry’s words, “I love peoples and cultures. We have so much to learn from each other, and this makes the world a richer place. Yet when I come across a misunderstanding or deception which adversely impacts a culture or people group, for the sake of those people I believe it should be exposed.”
Terry Kelhawk holds a doctorate degree, but believes people should keep on learning through life. Her areas of interest are culture, religion, and women’s rights – especially of Middle East. She blogs on huffingtonpost.com, foxnews.com, and politicalmavens.com, and likes travel, reading, and asking questions.
Terry believes we should, as Honey Jean of Atlanta in The Topkapi Secret would say, “Make the world a better place, or y’all just taking up space!”
