"Every time you lose someone you really like, you die a little. Someone you've got used to, who can read your every change of expression, every gesture and tone of voice." So begins the narrator of this story. A story based on true events of what happened to one young man who ventured into Libya at the height of Colonel Gaddafi's power. Most people, in the prime of their lives, go through a period when they feel an instant spark of rebellion in their breasts at anything labelled forbidden, impossible, life threateningly dangerous or otherwise regarded with fear and apprehension by others. Because youth is a time to test boundaries. To prove oneself to oneself and to others. Everything unobtainable is a challenge. And, if such a challenge comes bedecked with possible financial rewards, kudos and prospects of career enhancement, then obviously so much the better! And, at this point, even if you had told Gamal Ibrahim the story of Icarus, son of Daedalus, who dared to fly too close to the sun on wings of feathers and wax, it would have made little difference. And who can blame him? Isn't that what being young is all about? And if you had also told him that when entering a land where monsters rule it is wise to have a foolproof exit strategy he would probably have said, "Why? What have I got to fear if my intentions are honourable and my conscience is clear? Why should I need to worry if I am prepared to speak the truth at all times!" Ah! The naivety of youth! For what exactly the truth is, what is right or wrong, good or bad, is not what concerns monsters. What concerns them is power. And, when in power, monsters tend to have their own ideas about what should or shouldn't happen, and to whom.................
About the Author: An author who has had many stories published in the women's weekly magazines and literary journals, John was drawn to writing at an early age. At one time in his teenage years he was reading one book a day---the subject didn't matter, but it needed to grab his interest in the first couple of pages, or he would abandon it. And this is the rule he has since applied to all his writing, believing that if you haven't grabbed the reader straight away, you are not writing well enough.. After graduating with an Honors Degree in History he spent many years in academic publishing, at last leaving to pursue his long-held dream of becoming a writer. "Easily among the very best new writers we have seen", "fresh and original", "creates life-like characters---maybe too life-like" (whatever that means!), are some of the comments made by literary reviewers and consultants about his work. His favorite band is The Moody Blues, and CAKE.