Henry Shukman Mortimer of the Maghreb

Mortimer of the Maghreb

Henry Shukman

Knopf, May 25, 2006, $24.00

ISBN: 1400043255

"Mortimer of the Maghreb", "Man with Golden Eagle" and "Garden of God". Fifty six years old ailing Charles Mortimer reflects back on his life as international journalist filled with acclaim, but fears his best work has already occurred. He would like one more major story so he camps with rebels in the Sahara during a not reported civil war even while remorsefully thinking back to his ex-wife Saskia and his former lover Celeste.

"Castaway". In the Caribbean international businessman-Harry Burton sadly remembers his last real home when he was at the university fifteen years ago. He has obtained the freedom he desired as a youth, but ponders the price as he is stuck on Inagua.

"In "Old Providence". Renowned British painter Rothman Case grieves what his ego and hedonism cost him when he allowed his soulmate to leave him years ago. His middle age companion now is alcohol and sorrow.

"Darien Dogs". Lonely securities financier Jim Rogers comes to Panama to put together an oil pipeline construction project. As he tries to sell the concept of destroying some environmentally protected land, he becomes entrapped by the siren's lure of a local hooker Paulina.

This collection consists of a novella (Garden of God) and two related shorts (Mortimer of the Maghreb" and "Man with Golden Eagle") as part one and three other unrelated shorts that are part two. Mortimer is a fabulous protagonist who makes the first part fun to read as he struggles with failure after a career filled with success. The second part also includes strong characters and deep insightful storylines. Though an odd combination, readers will welcome this robust compilation.

Harriet Klausner