The Last Testament [Mass Market Paperback]

 

 

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Bourne writes in a somewhat clumsy but serviceable style (for a thriller of this ilk.) As you read, it becomes clear that the story is outrageous, clearly an attempt to satisfy the craze for whatever it is that people who read the Da Vinci Code and similar books crave.

There has been some amazing discovery related to Abraham that must be uncovered and in the meantime some mysterious evil villains are trying to keep it covered. At stake is nothing less than peace in the Middle East! In the end, the bad guy will be revealed and he will blab his secrets for the secret videotape. Yeah, this book is about that dumb. You may safely give it a pass. Unless you really enjoy that sort of thing.

Sam Bourne brings to this story of incredibly high drama on the modern international stage years of experience as a journalist and foreign correspondent in the Middle East. Anyone wanting to read this story should be aware that it comes with a very sophisticated, multilayered plot that involves all kinds of international intrigue and historical mystery. Here are ten specific attributes that makes "The Last Testament" an unforgettably impressive read:
1. Bourne uses real events like the Geneva Accord and the American capture of Baghdad on which to anchor his story;
2. The development of personalities in the story is very plausible. Characters like Maggie Costello come with a well-explained background that helps the reader understand why they are where they are, taking risks and making decisions on behalf of humanity;
3. The story focuses on the pressing need to resolve a major issue standing in the way of world peace, namely, a Middle East peace accord. Though various parties are committed to overcoming the challenge of bringing the Israelis and Palenstinians together for a deal, it is going to take a lot of individual courage, skill and patience to work through this one;
4. To make this story even more involved, Bourne introduces a couple of new fields of inquiry in the form of artifacts from the past and technology from the future to liven up the plot. There is an elusive archaeological tablet recently stolen from Baghdad and making the rounds that contains a very cryptic message as to who really owns the Temple Mount. Then there is a captivating scene in the story where a possible scenario of the ongoing conflict is played out with the use of avatars or alter-egos as the main operators;
5. There is lots of conflict being worked out between the various factions contending for control of the secret tablet;
6. Bourne takes his readers into some very dangerous and out-of-the-way spots in the Middle East. The book oozes with suspense, as people are being constantly tailed by secret organizations like the CIA and Hezbollah in an effort to kill them. This is not a safe and kind environment that Bourne has created;
7. Bourne writes in a very smooth and informed style. There is a fair sprinkling of Arabic and Jewish vernacular throughout the story, all very well explained in context;
8. Bourne carries his novel through to a satisfactory conclusion where all the questions are basically answered by the last page;
9. Bourne's work is very helpful in challenging the reader to see the present situation in the Middle East as a complex problem that requires various parties working together for peace and not personal or nationalistic glory;
10. Lots of ups and downs in this tale, with the past definitely impinging on the present in an effort to shape the future. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to look at some creative possibilities as to how a Middle East settlement could come about under the most unlikely of circumstances.

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