Review of Khanjar

[Aliyya Abdulmalik]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Khanjar" by Bob O'Brien.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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In the novel Khanjar by Bob O'Brien, Dr. Nasir Shehadeh, a Palestinian engineer, travels to America seeking aid for his country's minority population. His mission is to secure clean water for his fellow citizens, but he must conceal his true intentions from Columbia University, where he manages to work as a lecturer.

Driven by patriotism, he educates the university about his nation's plight and hopes for support for their environmental projects. However, faced with prejudices and political games, he becomes entangled in deception and betrayal due to his religious and minority background. The story delves into themes of power, greed, war, terrorism, and politics, portraying the challenges and resilience of those fighting for the betterment of their country.

The book impressed me with its skillful use of suspense throughout the narration. As a thriller enthusiast, I appreciated how the author cleverly engaged the readers' intellect. Just when it seemed like the protagonist was the culprit, the author surprised us with unexpected twists in the plot. I also found the main character, Nasir, to be incredibly captivating. Despite facing numerous challenges and overwhelming odds, he remained resolute in his mission for his country. His unwavering determination and courage exemplified the novel's central theme of patriotism. Even when aware of the potential risks to himself and his family, he continued to fight for what he believed in, making him truly admirable.

I disliked a few things about this book. Firstly, the fast-paced nature of the narrative sometimes left me wanting more depth and elaboration, especially in certain paragraphs that felt too short and lacking in information. I believe some passages could have benefited from more extensive descriptions. However, despite this, I would highly recommend this book to readers who relish fast-paced, action-packed thrillers.

I gave this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars because of how the suspense-filled narration captivated me from start to finish. Additionally, I admired the way the author effectively portrayed the vulnerabilities of minority countries due to the self-serving agendas and power struggles among influential nations. Moreover, the book's exceptional editing and lack of errors further enhanced my reading experience.

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Khanjar
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