Reviewed by Bruce Cook for Readers' Favorite

Linda Ruth Horowitz book While the Sands Whisper has great multi-media appeal. Through the eyes of Ayishah (her main character) – a freelance American-Israeli documentary photographer – the reader enjoys a stunning series of vignettes reminiscent of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. In While the Sands Whisper, Linda takes the reader through a stunning kaleidoscope of scenes that could be described as a travelogue, autobiography, or even a strong personal confession. Horowitz’s scenes leave an indelible impression. She freely offers introspection, admitting us to her feelings of uncertainty, wonder, and love. We learn things we’d never expect to know. For example, using first person singular, she helps the reader witness Ayishah’s experiences with drugs, and gunfights.

Horowitz’s images are at once compelling and confusing. Readers feel the heat of the desert, the cool night, and the mystery of living with families who speak another language. Her language is intense. It’s worth reading the book just to witness her portrayal of the Bedouin people in the Sinai area. Like “gypsy” bands of Europe, they evoke mystery and intrigue in everyone who sees them. Through Ayishah’s eyes, we see unexpected honor and integrity, even while these desert people are trafficking in Russian women for the purpose of sexual exploitation!

Horowitz book titillates the reader as she painstakingly traces Ayishah’s increasing attraction to her hired guide Hakim. Ayishah eventually overcomes cultural taboos and submits to his charms. At the same time, she fills her readers’ hearts with an uneasy feeling about borders, concluding “I hate them, these terrible, terrifying borders…only here to create a distance between us.” I enjoyed this book. It is an interesting and informative read.