Tumult in Mecca: Petrodollars, Desert Mystique, and Existential Dilemmas on the Road to the Holy City -- Hans Peter Bech, Paperback

★★★★★

"As soon as you turn the first page of 'Tumult in Mecca', the stage is set for an idealistic debate and a whimsical adventure. The book offers a breakdown of the now-modern work-life balance, a vivid depiction of the late 1970s, and a cultural clash of epic proportions that is both entertaining and upsetting. Readers are invited to coffee in a Danish co-housing community, taken on a journey to Saudi Arabia and join the legal proceedings for adopting a child in Indonesia. All this unfolds somewhat inadvertently and tumultuously."

Hans Peter Bech writes with a light and confident touch, crafting a novel with a flowing narrative that blends humour, history, and insights into people and society. As the story unfolds, it becomes easy to feel the era, along with the human struggles and thoughts, making the tale both moving and amusing. This effect is well-supported by the fluidity of the language.

'Tumult in Mecca' is a captivating exploration of the late 70s, blending comedy, social commentary, and the perils of diving into something without fully considering the consequences. The light slapstick humour is balanced with the human portrayal of a man who must make difficult choices and navigate the pitfalls when adventure clashes with family life.

- Louise Hvilsh j

★★★★★

The narrative captures the cultural and business complexities the two brothers, Henrik and Jakob, face in the Middle East, highlighting the stark differences from their familiar Danish environment. Henrik's journey is further complicated by his responsibilities back home, including his career, the establishment of a co-housing community, and the adoption process of a child from Indonesia.

The story takes a dramatic turn when Henrik and Jakob find themselves near the Grand Mosque in Mecca on the eve of a significant historical event, adding a layer of suspense and unpredictability to their adventure.

'Tumult in Mecca' combines elements of historical fiction, business development, cultural exploration, and personal growth, making it a compelling read for those interested in these themes.

- Tine Curtis

-----

It's 1979. Henrik Bertelsen, a baby boomer, is an economist at the Ministry of Labour in Copenhagen. Married to Englishwoman Sammy, they pour their hearts into building a co-housing community in North Zealand while navigating the complex process of adopting a child from Indonesia. Henrik craves a period of undisturbed stability to secure his career as a civil servant.

Unexpectedly, he is asked to renovate and manage hospital kitchens in Saudi Arabia. His inner adventurer awakens, and with a short leave of absence from the ministry, he seizes the opportunity. The project escalates, and suddenly, he is caught in an armed religious uprising in Mecca. Trapped between rebels and police, Henrik is in trouble.

He manages to escape and is whisked out of the country. As he catches his breath, an American computer company offers him a lucrative job, setting his life on an entirely new path.

Author: Hans Peter Bech
Publisher: Boox Publishing
Published: 09/17/2024
Pages: 276
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.62d
ISBN: 9788793116702