Meurtre à Raqqa by Yannick Laude

July was not a productive month for reading and writing, as school vacation activities only allowed me to focus on emergency work projects and trips. I usually read one book every few days, now I am struggling to finish a 200-page novel in one week or more. After finishing this post, I am supposed to go on a day-trip to a children-friendly place and to be honest, I cannot wait. Reading plays an important part in my life, but my life is made of way too many other pieces, and it is always on the move. Summer is a good time to reconsider your goals and breath a bit of freedom, and right now, I am working on some exciting projects, involving also probably an extension of my current blogging presence, All will be shared at the right moment, hopefully soon.#

One book that I finally succeeded to finish last month, that I started quite a long time ago, is in French, by a well-informed French author and political communication expert, Yannick Laude - Mort à Raqqa (Death at Raqqa, in my own translation). 

Set against the background of the rise of the Islamic State in Syria, it is a multi-layered story of love, betrayal, desire, corruption and Daesh. And indeed, it does have some sprinkle of pulp fiction. Merwan, one Kurdish policeman, whose wife is involved in protests against Daesh, with a brother working for the IS, is about to figure out the reasons of a crime involved a teenage girl and her family. 

Almost at the same time, he got involved - taken by the heat of overreacting to a presumed affair of his wife - with an attractive mysterious French woman, apparently seeking her militant husband. 

While looking for the culprit, he is personally going through a journey that moves along the lines of the dramatic political changes undergone by the society itself. And there are some surprises along the way, that may give him some new lessons in life and human nature. Even an experienced policeman still has some things to learn about.

Very well informed - I say it again, but I´ve rarely read recently books set in the region, so familiar with everyday life, including corruption and political versatility - Laude created the right ambiance for events to unfold, which gives a realistic outlook at the story. The note of authenticity is also magnified by the first person account, which connects even stronger the reader with the storyteller.

The pace is fast forward and continue to be so for the over 300 pages of the book. Each moment seems like an event in itself, fully shared with the readers. The many twists of the story do allow however discussions and reflections on serious topics, such as the ways in which the civil war affected the deep tissue of the Syrian society or the roots of indoctrination.

If you are looking for an eventful yet thoughtful political thriller and you are a French speaker too, this book is a great choice to finish the week. 

Rating: 5 stars