Sarah SearightSarah Searight lived and worked intermittently in the Middle East for many years, writing about the modern and historical region. Among her non-fiction titles are The British in the Middle East, Steaming East and Lapis Lazuli: a Celestial Stone.Simeo is essentially fiction, inspired by events in the region during Simeon's 5th century life but also by events during the 'reign' of Hafiz al-Assad, Syrian president from 1970 to 2000. Read More Read Less