Two American sisters, Christine and Elizabeth Shepherd, are on a silk-buying trip in India for their business in California. After Elizabeth mysteriously disappears, Christine is compelled to challenge the ineffectual U.S. and Indian bureaucracies and venture alone, with various strangers as guides, to find her sister. Disguised in the traditional female garb of some Islamic cultures, Christine continues her search in Afghanistan and Pakistan. She navigates the mysterious tribes of the Pashtuns, has a dangerous encounter with the Taliban, and learns to fear the "Jinn," the devils that dominate the superstitions of the people she must understand in order to survive. Inspired by her own extensive travel throughout the region, Cheryl Howard Crew has written an unforgettable story with a strong determined heroine who rises powerfully from the pages of this novel.
As a former Intelligence officer I found this book right on the money. The author obviously did her homework regarding the region as well as the complexities of the cultural difficulties a westerner can rarely understand. Ms. Howard-Crew did an excellent job in detailing how little government can do to help should you find yourself in such a situation. Though this is a work of fiction, it is extremely factual.
A Really Good Book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
I really liked this book. I was drawn in from the first paragragh's description of a massacre alongside a road. The author really takes her time describing the locale,religion,customs and characters without relying on too much metaphor so it never becomes tedious. Crew leaves it up to the reader to draw their own conclusions about the main character's choices, the Muslim way of life and the way each makes their way in the world. It is an interesting mix, a sort of hybrid anthropological thriller. This reader began to understand the dichotomy of a stark black and white culture and the many shades of gray around the edges. It doesn't provide a single answer on the roots of terrorism but it does provide many different points of view on the subject and again the reader is forced to draw their own conclusions.The end of the book creeps up on you and I found myself not wanting it to end. I think a great companion book to "In The Face Of Jinn" might be "West With The Night" by Beryl Markham. Both books explore a woman's strength as neccessary to the individual situation and not as a cultural imperative.
Amazing!!!!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
This book was one of the best I have read in a while! Her attention to detail, and the research that must have gone into this book is astounding. I connected with Christine (the heroine) right from the start. She was such a realistic charatcter. I couldn't put the book down, out of fear of missing something. I don't mean to give anything away, but a good tip would be to have a box of tissues ready for the end. Keep writing more Cheryl! I can't wait for your next one, hopefully it won't take 9 years.
A female adventure story
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
This story draws you in from the first chapter! It's so refreshing to read an adventure story with a strong female heroine- who's less than perfect, but spirited enough to win your heart and your undivided attention. The author's painstaking research has paid off in a vivid and realistic glimpse into the seldom seen world of India and the Middle East. The reader really feels swept into the story, experiencing the dangers and emotional trials along with the heroine. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes historical, adventure stories like MAIDEN VOYAGE or MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA.
Great, page turner.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
Cheryl Crew has painted such a vivid picture of her characters that you experience the journey right along with them. Caught up in the mystery and threat of countries most of us only read about, Cheryl Crew immediately places us in the midst of danger. Preparing for the fate that lies ahead, Christine summons the strength and courage to forge ahead with a vengeance in search of her sister. In the Face of Jinn is one of the best page turners I have ever read. The author's research and travels to Afghanistan, India and Pakistan provide us with a feeling for these countries and an insight into the people. The setting will captivate you. The characters and universal themes of loss, a search for truth, and a yearning for love will definitely touch your heart. Man or woman alike, this book is well worth the read.
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