The Abraham Protocol

Bol

A masterful examination of power, the law and the occult in the contemporary Gulf.In his new novel, The Abraham Protocol, Hichem Karoui explores the grey areas arising from diplomatic normalisation in the Middle East. Through the character of Rashid Al-Falasi, the author questions the very nature of commitment: what is an alliance when it binds not only states, but souls?The Abraham Protocol is an ambitious novel situated at the crossroads of the geopolitical thriller, the legal novel and metaphysical fiction.In a rapidly changing Dubai, Rashid Al-Falasi navigates the heights of international negotiations. But the unexplained disappearance of an Israeli partner and the resurgence of a troubled family legacy begin to crack the reality he thought he had under control.The plot opens with the euphoria of the Abraham Accords in Dubai, but quickly veers into darker, more esoteric territory. Rashid, faced with the disappearance of his partners and sinister reminders of a family debt, discovers that the international legal and financial system is mirrored by a 'Court of Shadows'.The narrative reaches its climax when the protagonist decides to use the tools of human justice - confession (iqrar) and arbitration - to combat a metaphysical corruption that seems to govern the currents of the modern world. Karoui brilliantly blends concepts of traditional Islamic law with the realities of global high finance, creating a unique narrative tension.Praised for its intense atmosphere and psychological precision, The Abraham Protocol is a major contribution to the contemporary political thriller. It offers a rare and authentic perspective on the Gulf elites, whilst posing a universal question: what is the value of truth in a world of mirrors and pretence?The Abraham Protocol is an ambitious novel situated at the crossroads of the geopolitical thriller, the legal novel and metaphysical fiction.An essential read for discerning readers of international fiction, legal thrillers and literature exploring the ethical dilemmas at the heart of globalisation.

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Pages: 248, Paperback, Global East-West (London)