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A quick thumbnail of my career thus far includes a degree in psychology from Temple University and professional positions as social worker, staff writer, and publications resource person in public relations and government. I have published numerous articles and short stories in both the fiction and nonfiction genres and have published five suspense novels, of which SAILING INTO DARKNESS is the latest. I have also published a romance novel with an international flavor. Additional information about me and my writing, as well as a brief synopsis of each of my suspense novels, is available at my recently updated website.
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Tomas and Deesha decided to take a year off before starting graduate school. Their plan was to sail around the world in Deesha’s parents’ 45’ sailboat. The young couple were experienced sailors. Knowing there were pirates in the waters around Somalia, the couple were especially vigilant. Just as they let their guard down, the pirates attacked. Deesha recounts the terror of the ordeal. She was beaten, drugged, raped and held hostage for five million dollars. The privateers threatened to mutilate her body to prove to her father that they had her. Her elation of escape was short-lived as she ran through the jungle and a mangrove swamp as one of her crazed captors pursued her seeking retribution.
The author repeatedly stresses the plight of the people of Somalia. The death rate is astronomical and does not discriminate against man, woman, or child. Both young and old are starving to death. The author does not excuse the behavior of the pirates but does offer an explanation. The pirates are young men from a poverty-stricken nation. They do not have the money for boats, guns, or anything else they would need to be pirates. They are financed by corporations. Another point the author makes is that after gaining the cash from their illegal activities they do not attempt to help their own people.
"Sailing Into Darkness" is an intense read. The plot moves along quickly. The ending didn’t feel right. I felt as if the author thought the exciting part is over, so let’s wrap this baby up. The tale is told from Deesha’s point of view. All in all, this was a good read.
