Friday 2 October 2015

Dreamers of the Day by Mary Doria Russell

Actual historical figures, including T E Lawrence and Winston Churchill, pepper Mary Doria Russell’s novel, Dreamers of the Day. The story is set in 1921 Cairo where world leaders and diplomats gathered to thrash out a new Middle East in the wake of World War One and the fall of the Ottoman Empire.

These events are seen through the eyes of American tourist, Agnes Shanklin. She’s a forty-year-old teacher who has led a sheltered life, under the thumb of her mother. When the Spanish flu robs her of her family, Agnes discovers a new-found confidence under the guidance of shop-girl, Mildred, who encourages Agnes to travel.

Egypt beckons but Agnes finds herself turned away from her Cairo hotel – her skirts are too short, her arms too bare and her little dog, Rosie, not welcome. Laurence comes to her rescue, finds her a new hotel where she meets the dashingly handsome German and possible spy, Karl Weilbacher. Karl is charm itself, taking charge of Rosie, while Agnes is smitten.

Dreamers of the Day is a brilliant snapshot of a crucial moment in history from the point of view of an ordinary person. Agnes is a fairly savvy observer and her frank, no-nonsense manner earns her the confidence of the key players.

Russell conjures up amusing scenes where Agnes speaks her mind at dinner parties and is invited on jaunts into the desert with Churchill and co. At the same time she gives voice to those such as T E Lawrence and Gertrude Bell who have grave concerns for peace in the Middle East. Today’s readers can only nod their heads sagely in agreement. This is a well-researched and enlightening novel from a master story teller.

Posted by JAM

Catalogue link: Dreamers of the Day

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