The Puppet

<p><i>The Puppet</i> a mythic tale of greed and political corruption traces the rise flourishing and demise of a Saharan oasis community. Aghulli a noble if obtuse man who has been chosen leader of the oasis hankers after the traditional nomadic pastoralist life of the Tuareg. He sees commerce (understood as including trade in gold marriage agriculture and even recreation) as the prime culprit in the loss of the nomadic ethos. Thus he is devastated to learn that his supporters are hoarding gold.</p> <p>The novel's title notwithstanding the author has stressed repeatedly that he is not a political author. He says that <i>The Puppet</i> portrays a good man who has been asked to lead a corrupt society. The subplot about star-crossed young lovers introduces a Sufi theme of the possibility of transforming carnal into mystical love. <i>The Puppet</i> though is first and foremost a gripping expertly crafted tale of bloody betrayal and revenge inspired by gold lust and an ancient love affair.</p>