We all love her writing, but felt The Sparrow and Children of God were better books. The ending here felt like a cop out. Also, not a whole lot to discussion. Would highly recommend to read on your own, just not necessarily for book club.

Great concept for the book but the plot falls flat.

The narrator/heroine is a strong and good voice, her struggles with her faith familiar. The premise that an 'insignificant' American lady ended up at one of the events that has had/still has an impact on our world today is a rewarding topic.

Mary Doria Russell sneaks in history lessons in her witty and engrossing novel about The Middle East and the world personalities who were involved in creating the nations that we now have in that region.
She has researched the era, the scenery and the personalities to make this an authentic portrait of an important time in the history of our world.

Mary Doria Russell manages the English language brilliantly. Her thorough research results in plot and characters that captivate.

This story gives the reader a brief view of how the middle East is such as mess, politically, socially and economically. The question is how did it become such a mess. Look back at the decisions made by other countries for this region after World War l. The characters are wonderful. This is historical fiction done well.