CLASSIC STRUGGLE OF GOOD AND EVIL, with a satisfying dose of
intrigue thrown in. One of my favorite books; I can read
this one over and over. Just the way it starts will reel you in: "The camel died at noon." Follett''s characters seem very human, but with very strong motivations. The hero, the depressed but dutiful William Vandam, plods along through life, dealing with mostly obnoxious Englishmen who try to keep him down. But his native
intelligence and willingness to go the extra mile make him the extraordinary man who can be your worst enemy. The antagonist, cunning Alex Wolff, is the mixture of cold intelligence and ruthless sadism that captivates as much as it repels. Were it not for the William Vandams of this world, we would be at the mercy of the Alex Wolff''s.The female counterparts are just as absorbing. Sonja, the manipulative and self-indulgent belly dancer is brutally devoid of conscience and will betray anyone to ensure her own comfort and security. Elena, a woman who has also learned to exploit her sexuality for survival, longs for someone who will recognize that she is a person and not just a body. She is willing to risk her life to find some meaning to her thus-far disappointing life. Billy, Vandam''s son, is the one innocent character that we hope will not come to harm. William''s devotion to his son is refreshing in a book of so many tainted, yet fascinating characters.