Review: A quality read from cover to cover
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 22, 2012
Following several Johnny Fedora spy thriller novels by Desmond Cory, and being aware that he had written other works I just had to have a read of something different from this genius of a writer. I was quite intrigued to discover he had written a psychological thriller - On the Gulf, with the added bonus for me of political connections. I have read other novels that focused on modern day political tensions, resulting in acts of violence, terrorism and even global war, so I was well prepared for a gripping read.Set in the fictional Arab country of Fariq, a group of disenfranchised locals are planning a revolution in the hope of promoting Shaikh Rashid, confined to house arrest, to power. The inevitable violence of bomb attacks and murder, among other acts are soon to follow. What Cory has done here is to unveil certain disturbing characteristics and truths about greed and ambitions of human beings under these circumstances.  Naturally, as the backdrop is in a more modern era, Fariq is occupied with an ex-patriot community and foreign Embassies, which also get caught up in the violence.Desmond Cory's experience in creating superb literary masterpieces, spanning many decades before On the Gulf was published showed exactly why his works have stood the test of time and his early spy thriller novels remain popular. The same intrigue, suspense and stereotype characters are in place to take you on a ride to the novels conclusion.When I read novel I like to submerse myself to the extent where I try to place myself where the story is taking place. I want to feel the heat of the sun, I want to visualize the aftermath of an explosion in my mind's eye and with writing as good as this, for me at least, it is easy to put yourself in the position of any one of the main characters.If you even only have a vague or passing interest in politics and Psychology this has to be a good book to keep you occupied as events escalate to eventually bring the government to its knees unfold. It is a story but the events are all too believable and you have to hand full credit to the author for the way he writes, making it easy for the reader to both understand and relate to.For me, this novel spectacularly demonstrates his diversity of thought of Cory in creating something quite different from his spy and detective works and clearly shows his understanding of political climates and their potential impact during a power struggle.Desmond Cory's passing away shortly after this novel was published was indeed a sad loss but thankfully he left a whole host of fantastic works for future generations to enjoy.