Desert Love   By: Joan Conquest

Desert Love by Joan Conquest is a captivating exploration of love, redemption, and self-discovery set in the mesmerizing landscapes of the Sahara Desert. The novel invites readers on a transformative journey filled with vivid descriptions, evocative thoughts, and complex characters.

At its core, Desert Love is a tender love story that unfolds against a backdrop of relentless sandstorms and sweltering heat. Conquest beautifully illustrates the power of human connection and the dichotomy between vulnerability and strength. The protagonist, Lara, is a resilient yet vulnerable character whose inner struggles and emotional growth are expertly portrayed throughout the narrative.

What truly sets this novel apart is Conquest's masterful descriptions of the Sahara Desert. Her prose exquisitely captures the awe-inspiring beauty and harshness of the environment, making it an integral character in its own right. The author's deep knowledge and love for the desert are evident, and readers will find themselves transported to this otherworldly setting, feeling a palpable connection with the characters' experiences.

In addition to the captivating setting, Desert Love explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the search for purpose. The novel delves into the complexities of human relationships, unwrapping layers of emotions and motives that keep readers engaged and invested. Conquest poses thought-provoking questions about the nature of love and the transformation it can bring about in individuals.

Though the pace occasionally slows down, the potent prose and the rich tapestry of emotions and settings make up for any minor lulls. Conquest's writing is poetic and evocative, painting vibrant images with her words. The dialogue, too, is well-crafted, providing insights into the characters' thoughts and motivations.

Desert Love is an immersive and lyrical novel that will stay with readers long after they have turned the final page. Joan Conquest's profound knowledge of the desert, coupled with her skillful storytelling, creates an enchanting experience that captures the essence of love and the human spirit. Whether one is drawn to tales of romance or a desire to be transported to another world, Desert Love is a compelling read that will leave a lasting impression.

First Page:

Men of different classes stood around, or squatted on their heels upon the ground, all in flowing robes of different colouring and various stages of cleanliness, some with heads covered in turbans, some with the tarboosh, others with the kahleelyah or head handkerchief, all chattering with the exception of the higher classes and the Bedouins, the latter clothed in white, with the distinctive thong of camel's hair wound about the head covering, arms folded and face passively serene, looking as though they had stepped right out of the Old Testament on to the fly ridden, sunbaked station of Ismailiah; whilst vendors of cakes, sticky, melting sweets, and small oranges, wandered in and out of the crowd screaming their wares... Continue reading book >>