Tamanrasset by Edward Parr is a thrilling historical drama set during a tumultuous period in North Africa. The French are asserting their dominance in Algeria and influencing the Sultan in Morocco. Isabel Pedersen, a Swedish widow searching for her place in a small Islamic community in Fez, Morocco, meets Ahmad, the son of a sharif. He helps her solve a gruesome child kidnapping case. Isabel has a vision that points to the culprit, earning her praise and honor within the Islamic community. As word of her divine power spreads, she embarks on a pilgrimage to Mecca but faces challenges in returning home. After years of traveling across the desert, drifting from one place to another, she encounters Jacques Demoreau, a French sergeant with wealthy sponsors, on a dangerous mission to West Morocco. Isabel struggles with her association with the French, becoming a link between the locals and the invaders, which angers some, including her acquaintance, Ahmad. Feeling increasingly lost, she is later called upon to assist Ren, an American archaeologist grappling with his own demons but determined to find the tomb of Queen al-Kahina.

Tamanrasset is a captivating story that explores themes of belonging, self-discovery, and purpose amid societal unrest. The lives of the main characters intersect in unexpected ways as they strive to survive and find their place. At the beginning of the story, Isabel feels lost, but gains favor with the locals. She becomes a beacon of hope in uncertain times. Her journey is tumultuous, yet she remains humble, selfless, and kind. Ultimately, she discovers peace, love, and acceptance. Meanwhile, Jacques cannot seem to avoid trouble, and Ahmad's rage blinds him to the things that truly matter. I appreciated Ahmad’s redemption arc and his growth by the end of the narrative. Ren is one of the most complex characters I have ever come across. He is a noble man yet willing to bend the rules. His connection to Jacques provides a surprising plot twist that sheds light on his past. I was fascinated by these characters and drawn into their stories. Edward Parr’s narrative is immersive and addresses various issues, such as the thirst for power and wealth and their impact on ordinary people, the difference between colonization and modernization, and the power of fate. The story also delves into Islamic traditions, practices, and beliefs, emphasizing the importance of preserving our heritage and ancient artifacts. Overall, this is an enjoyable read, and I recommend it to anyone interested in historical fiction that blends culture, identity, action, and the profound effects of societal change.

Tamanrasset: Crossroads of the Nomad by Edward Parr follows three primary storylines that intertwine, but have distinct arcs. Sergeant Jacques Demoreau leads and manages French Legionnaires, enduring attacks from Doui-Menia tribesmen, facing internal military discipline issues, and ultimately being imprisoned before receiving a temporary assignment to train and equip a private mercenary force in the guise of establishing Jilali al-Zerhouni as a local governor to suppress banditry in northeastern Morocco. Isabel Pedersen, traveling across Morocco and North Africa, navigates scholarship, religious study, and social networks in Fez, investigates crimes like Faiza’s disappearance with Ahmad ibn Mostepha, completes the Hajj, and eventually becomes a translator and coordinator for Demoreau’s private force, hiring mercenaries and organizing operations in local villages while maintaining her scholarly and diplomatic connections. Ren (Doctor Renwick Francis Villere) focuses on archaeological exploration, excavating Carthage and other North African sites, documenting findings, lecturing internationally, and managing funding and staff, moving between historical discovery and institutional oversight.

Edward Parr’s Tamanrasset is an extraordinary account of adventure, history, and human ingenuity as readers are swept across Asia and Africa, from the bustling marketplaces of Algiers and Fez to the deserts of the Sahara, the forts of Algeria, and the excavation sites of Carthage and Malta. Parr paints each environment with detailed observation, and the immersion, from masjid courtyards and university libraries to caravan routes and military positions, shows how landscapes shape both daily life and major events. Isabel Pedersen, Jacques Demoreau, and Ren are all imperfect but still demonstrate intelligence, decisiveness, and resourcefulness as they manage archaeological discoveries, military maneuvers, and delicate negotiations with local authorities. Readers witness Isabel coordinating mercenary forces, Ren uncovering Punic and Roman artifacts, and Demoreau directing French troops, all in cinematic sequences. Overall, this is an ambitious, great journey through time and place. Recommended.