Michelle Peach

Gazelle in the Shadows, set in the early 1990’s, depicts life how it was for the people of Syria under the government of the time; a strict regime that ruled through fear.
Peach includes aspects of the political history of the country plus social and religious customs to bring the country and its people alive on the page.

Elizabeth arrives in Syria to complete her University requirement of a year of overseas study. She is the only one from her University to go to Syria however there will be other foreign students at the school she will be attending.

I found Elizabeth to be quite naive and ill prepared for her trip abroad as besides her plane ticket she had not made any other arrangements concerning her stay. She befriends an airline steward who assures her he has friends she can stay with.
The story highlights the disconnected life of a foreigner in a strange country where language is a distinct barrier.

Peach blurs the line between fact and fiction as she includes some events based on her own life experience.

While in Syria Elizabeth meets many welcoming Syrians. She falls in love but also learns that everyone can be trusted. Her initial trust in everyone puts her in grave danger where she will have to call on every ounce of her courage to save her own life and that of a friend. The thought of losing her life causes Elizabeth to realise how much her family means to her.

Gazelle in the Shadows is a unique coming of age set against the exotic backdrop of Syria.

*I received a review copy from the author via Book Publicity Services.… (plus d'informations)