Title: Tuareg
Author: Alberto Vasquez Figueroa
What the blurb says: "Tuareg is a classic epic and at the same time a beautiful rendition to one of the most singular cultures in the world. The Tuaregs are the true sons of the desert. They can survive in the harshest of conditions like nobody else. The noble inmouchar Gacel Sayah, is the master of a large extension of the desert. One day, two fugitives arrive from the north and Gacel, following his ancient and sacred hospitality laws, gives them shelter. However, Gacel doesn't realise that his act of kindness will lead him towards a deadly adventure."
What I thought: It has been a long time since I have read a book in one sitting, Tuareg is a fantastic book full of action and descriptions of the Tuareg life, customs, tales and beliefs.
The plot twist at the end not only shocks you because of the unexpected turn of events but also causes you physical pain. Once you close the book, it leaves you thinking for a while about life, its meaning and its ironies.
Through the pages, Vasquez Figueroa will make you live in the desert while you slowly begin to get a deeper understanding of the way things work and how people survive there.
You will admire and wish the best for Gacel, the main character, and his loyal camel/companion who makes him travel across the desert to find the guest who was kidnapped from home.
The way the book walks you through the 'empty lands' overwhelms you, makes you want to read more and also makes you appreciate water as an invaluable gift from nature.
To me this book made me aware of all the different cultures around the world, I am now more curious because at the end of the day, that is the magic of books: they make you travel without a passport and they give you knowledge without leaving your room.
