Synopses & Reviews
In the Cairo of 1908, the city livesand diesby its cafculture. But for all restaurant businesses, then and now, the protection rackets pose a problem. And the cityâs cafs are experiencing a sudden upsurge in threats from various gangs. But who are they? More importantly, whoâs behind them? Is the money being channeled to some big crook, or is its use political, say for the purchase of guns? With some sixty nationalities, one hundred and twelve ethnic groups, and over two hundred religious sects, not to mention the Nationalists on the rise, policing the capital is no easy matter. When Mustapha, one cafproprietor, is attacked by men with clubs, his legs broken for non- compliance, everyone is worried. The attacks may be escalating towards the international community. The Russian Chargmakes a complaint. Are the Mingrelians, a very small Christian group from the Caucasus, formenting a real conspiracy aimed at the visit of a Russian Grand Duke? This royalty is coming to replicate the visit his uncle paid to Egypt at the opening of the Suez Canal. Heading off any such incident is the task of Gareth Owen, Head of the Secret Police. But will the Mamur Zapt find answers to so many arcane questions in time?...
Review
"As ever, Owen is wordly-wise, droll, and eminently at home in his adopted city."Donna Leon, Sunday Times
Review
"Michael Pearce does a wonderful job of weaving fact and place into a good story."--Deadly Pleasures
Review
"Michael Pearce paints a very sympathetic picture of the country almost a century ago as a nation who welcomed displaced ethnic groups who had no where else to go. There is a lot of subtle humor in The Mingrelian Conspiracy.... Mr. Pearce is a gifted storyteller who makes the past come alive in the minds eye."--Midwest Book Review
About the Author
Michael Pearce grew up in the (then) Anglo-Egyptian Sudan among the political and other tensions he draws on for his books. He returned there later to teach and retains a human rights interest in the area. In between whiles his career has followed the standard academic rakeâs progress from teaching to writing to administration. He finds international politics a pallid imitation of academic ones.