What do You think about Babel (2003)?
As always, I enjoyed Maitland's work. One of my favorite things about his books is that they each enter pretty fully into an aspect of life I wouldn't know about...art, religion, mall security, etc. I enjoyed this book more for its focus on academics than radical Muslims, but it kept my interest all the same.I do have a qualm that I think is mentioned in other reviews. Leon Desai shows up again and everything Kathy says, and his thought that "if he had been stronger they would have been very hap
—Anna
I wasn't sure what I expected with this novel, but it was great!! It kept my attention; I couldn't put it down until I finished it. First of all the racial tension and international feel of London was clearly portrayed in the novel. There were different types of Muslims (Shia & Sunni) from different countries (Pakistan, Lebanon, etc.)involved in the tale. The author tackled the idea of honor-killing and racism. On the other side, the mystery involved philosophy vs. genetic science. At one point in the novel, it seems to be that the suspects are Muslim and then at another point, professors and a center for genetic research. Very well crafted together for a surprise ending. I really like the police work of Brock and Kolla as well. It is nice to see how their minds work, but also how they struggle with events that have happened in their lives. It makes them more realistic. I will definitely read more by this author!
—Julie
In Babel, Barry Maitland's sixth entry in the Kathy and Brock mystery series, Sergeant Kathy Kolla's suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder incurred during the horrific ending to the previous book, Silvermeadow. Indeed, Kathy's state of mind remains so fragile that she's contemplating giving up her police career.Amidst her angst, a masked gunman fatally shoots an academic at the fictional University of Central London East as he's on his way to deliver what was promised to be a controversial lecture. Why was philosophy professor Max Springer killed in broad daylight? Does the murder have anything to do with Islamic terrorism, as some have hinted? Or with a secretive gene-research lab on campus that Springer had been reviling? Or does the cause of Springer's death lay in yet another quarter? As with all of his books, Maitland sets a fast pace for Babel and loads the novel with surprises. I never saw the end coming nor even once suspected the true culprit. Babel makes for a great read for all, although those familiarized with the cause of Kathy's trauma from having read Silvermeadow will enjoy the novel much, much more.Again, special thanks to my Goodreads friend, Magda, from Down Under who pointed me to Aussie writer Barry Maitland.
—Ivonne Rovira
