Review of The Brussels Connection

[Lilith Stroup]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Brussels Connection" by Terence Hamilton.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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The Brussels Connection by Terrence Hamilton is a fictional thriller that is based on the very real 2016 terrorist attack in Brussels, Belgium. The story is told through the perspectives of seven characters: Ibrahim, Marlene (Roxy), Philippe, Mark, Nena, Meena, and Tom. While all of these characters have different backstories, they are all connected because they all experienced the terrorist attack in one way or another. Using these characters, Hamilton weaves a tale that not only delves into the planning and carrying out of the terrorist attack but also the aftermath.

What I like about The Brussels Connection is how well Hamilton describes the Islamic State, the organization behind the attack, and the political turmoil in the Middle East that led to its rise. Hamilton also describes aspects of the religion of Islam through the conversion of one character. Hamilton also does a really great job of describing what makes someone radicalized by going deep into the life of another character who is a member of the Islamic State. In addition to all of this, I like how Hamilton goes beyond sharing the experience of characters who become victims and describes the thoughts and emotions of one character who merely witnesses the attack on television.

I have no negative feelings about the plot, but that does not make this book perfect. My issue with the book surrounds two characters in particular: Philippe and Nena. On the surface, they both seem fine, but underneath, they have flaws. Philippe is diagnosed by his psychologist as having narcissistic personality disorder, and that makes him more concerned with chasing younger women than his own wife and kids. Nena is a famous techno DJ who has an interest in BDSM, which is fine, but in the book there is a scene where she commits what can best be described as date rape. Both girls end up fine and are still attracted to Nena, but the whole act of drugging people before a sexual act could be unsettling to some readers.

In conclusion, I would give The Brussels Connection a rating of 4 stars out of 5. That is because, even though the book is amazing, it’s not perfect.

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The Brussels Connection
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