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Guns and Almond Milk
Meet Luke Archer, a British Egyptian doctor who struggles to be from two worlds at the same time. He's working in one of the world's most dangerous hospitals in Yemen. When rebel forces take over the city, a group of Western mercenaries take refuge inside the hospital and Luke and his team find themselves in the middle of a deadly clash. To make matters worse, leading the mercenaries is an unwelcome figure from Luke's past. After years saving the lives of others, Luke needs to face the demons of his past in order to save his own.
Set in the UK and Yemen, Guns and Almond Milk is a literary thriller that deals with identity, diversity and old coins of arguable value. It's The Sympathizer mixed with M.A.S.H by the way of Ramy.
Guns and Almond Milk is a fast-paced story of love, murder, and thrill that provides readers with a fresh perspective on humanitarian work, assimilation, and Middle Eastern politics.
Set in the UK and Yemen, Guns and Almond Milk is a literary thriller that deals with identity, diversity and old coins of arguable value. It's The Sympathizer mixed with M.A.S.H by the way of Ramy.
Guns and Almond Milk is a fast-paced story of love, murder, and thrill that provides readers with a fresh perspective on humanitarian work, assimilation, and Middle Eastern politics.
234 pages, Paperback
Published April 2, 2024
8 people are currently reading
11697 people want to read
About the author
Mustafa Marwan
1 book120 followersI am an Egyptian writer, aid worker and trainer.
I have over a decade of humanitarian experience in more than a dozen conflict zones around the world—including most Arab Spring countries at the heights, and lows, of their uprisings.
My Page Turner Award finalist debut, Guns and Almond Milk, is coming out 20 Feb 2024 from Interlink and distributed by Simon & Schuster.
I would appreciate if you added the book to your TO-READ shelf as this will help me reach similar interested readers. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
I like neo-noir, dark humour and books that strike the magical balance between the literary and the commercial.
I have over a decade of humanitarian experience in more than a dozen conflict zones around the world—including most Arab Spring countries at the heights, and lows, of their uprisings.
My Page Turner Award finalist debut, Guns and Almond Milk, is coming out 20 Feb 2024 from Interlink and distributed by Simon & Schuster.
I would appreciate if you added the book to your TO-READ shelf as this will help me reach similar interested readers. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
I like neo-noir, dark humour and books that strike the magical balance between the literary and the commercial.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
April 3, 2024
Guns and Almond Milk by Mustafa Marwan is set in Yemen during the recent conflict. When I started this book, I really didn’t know what to expect but, from the beginning, it proved to be one explosive no-holds-barred thriller about war, its horrors, and what motivates people to volunteer, whether medical teams, mercenaries, or rebels. But there is also a more introspective side here about guilt and redemption and even a touch of humour. I would have liked a little more about the background of the War in Yemen but it does give a fascinating portrayal of what it’s like to be caught in the middle of a conflict but without the romanticism or heroics of too much war fiction. I can’t say this is an enjoyable read but a very interesting and compelling one, one that made me think and will stay with me for a very long time. That this is Marwan’s debut makes it even more impressive.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and BooksGoSocial in exchange for an honest review
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and BooksGoSocial in exchange for an honest review
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December 23, 2023You know those posts on X, that say you've been kidnapped, but your kidnappers allow you to keep posting on social media, and then ask what would you post that would allow your followers to know that something wasn't right? Well, I could post quotes from #Marwan23 #MustafaMarwan #GunsandAlmondMilk. Those who know me know that I do not read thrillers. I do not read medical thrillers. I'm not very fond of political satire. I certainly don't read page-turners. I don't really read books about love, sex and drugs.
But somehow, I was able to get an ARC ( advance reading copy ) of Mustafa Marwan's debut novel, Guns and Almond Milk, and despite being the slow reader that I am, I managed to finish reading it in 2 days! This really is a page-turner!!!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1LZGy...
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C08U-W...
But somehow, I was able to get an ARC ( advance reading copy ) of Mustafa Marwan's debut novel, Guns and Almond Milk, and despite being the slow reader that I am, I managed to finish reading it in 2 days! This really is a page-turner!!!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1LZGy...
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C08U-W...
February 25, 2024
Full review and more can be found on Bridging's Books - Guns and Almond Milk Review
Luke Larson is a British Egyptian doctor with a past he would rather run away from back in the UK. He decided his best course of action was to run away from it all and become a war surgeon in war-torn Yemen. Guns and Almond Milk is a story in two parts. The first part is what is happening currently in Yemen and the second is set in the recent past, his problematic route to how he ended up in Yemen, in a warzone. It is when the hospital in Yemen is under siege, and after years of saving the lives of others, that he realises that he needs to face the demons of his past in able to save his own.
We normally begin our reviews with what we didn't like, but there is not a lot that I can say that's bad about Guns and Almond Milk. I think my only flaw would come through near the end of the read, when everything comes together. When you come to understand how Luke ended up in Yemen and how it all went wrong for him back in the UK… just felt a little bit rushed. At this moment a lot of information is thrown at you that it can be hard to follow. But even that wasn’t off-putting, I was so engrossed in what had to be said that I enjoyed reading through it all again to make sure that I did not miss anything.
With that quickly out of the way, onto the good. From the very beginning, in that opening paragraph, you just know that what you have in your hands, what you are reading is gold. The writing style, the character’s voice and the visual language are what you would expect from an experienced author and not a debut. The fact that this is Mustafa Marwan’s debut novel just shows the level of skill that he has to navigate and execute his storytelling.
Instantly you are sucked into the world, the way Marwan describes the world to you is incredibly vivid. It’s hard not to picture everything he talks about, that Luke sees around him. To feel right in the thick of it with him. You get a real sense that Marwan knows what he writes about, and his medical knowledge and experience make you believe everything that you are told.
This book is one that I would use to define a pageturner and at only 248 pages, it does not take long to finish. Before you know it you have forgotten to have dinner, forgotten all about the freshly made mug of tea that has now gone tepid, and all about getting yourself ready for work tomorrow. Ah well, that is tomorrow’s problem!
Guns and Almond Milk is quite easily one of the best books that I have read in the last twelve months. It’s a deeply harrowing story that really paints the realism of being a war surgeon. The language and imagery used throughout gets you right into the thick of it, immersed right through to the end.
This is a book that everyone should read.
Thank you to Zooloo Book Tours and to Mustafa Marwan for the early access in exchange for an honest review and entry to the Book Tour.
Luke Larson is a British Egyptian doctor with a past he would rather run away from back in the UK. He decided his best course of action was to run away from it all and become a war surgeon in war-torn Yemen. Guns and Almond Milk is a story in two parts. The first part is what is happening currently in Yemen and the second is set in the recent past, his problematic route to how he ended up in Yemen, in a warzone. It is when the hospital in Yemen is under siege, and after years of saving the lives of others, that he realises that he needs to face the demons of his past in able to save his own.
We normally begin our reviews with what we didn't like, but there is not a lot that I can say that's bad about Guns and Almond Milk. I think my only flaw would come through near the end of the read, when everything comes together. When you come to understand how Luke ended up in Yemen and how it all went wrong for him back in the UK… just felt a little bit rushed. At this moment a lot of information is thrown at you that it can be hard to follow. But even that wasn’t off-putting, I was so engrossed in what had to be said that I enjoyed reading through it all again to make sure that I did not miss anything.
With that quickly out of the way, onto the good. From the very beginning, in that opening paragraph, you just know that what you have in your hands, what you are reading is gold. The writing style, the character’s voice and the visual language are what you would expect from an experienced author and not a debut. The fact that this is Mustafa Marwan’s debut novel just shows the level of skill that he has to navigate and execute his storytelling.
Instantly you are sucked into the world, the way Marwan describes the world to you is incredibly vivid. It’s hard not to picture everything he talks about, that Luke sees around him. To feel right in the thick of it with him. You get a real sense that Marwan knows what he writes about, and his medical knowledge and experience make you believe everything that you are told.
This book is one that I would use to define a pageturner and at only 248 pages, it does not take long to finish. Before you know it you have forgotten to have dinner, forgotten all about the freshly made mug of tea that has now gone tepid, and all about getting yourself ready for work tomorrow. Ah well, that is tomorrow’s problem!
Guns and Almond Milk is quite easily one of the best books that I have read in the last twelve months. It’s a deeply harrowing story that really paints the realism of being a war surgeon. The language and imagery used throughout gets you right into the thick of it, immersed right through to the end.
This is a book that everyone should read.
Thank you to Zooloo Book Tours and to Mustafa Marwan for the early access in exchange for an honest review and entry to the Book Tour.
April 28, 2024
As a primary school librarian I have introduced WW2 as a yr6 topic and found a ton of children's fiction to aid with the topic but I’ve never read an adult book based on a conflict.
I have stopped watching the news, I can’t bear to see pictures of wars and fighting. I have a general idea of what is happening but I couldn't answer any questions on it. So when the chance came up to be on a blog tour for this book I decided to go ahead and apply as I was interested in reading an adult book on the subject.
Meet Luke Archer, a British Egyptian doctor who struggles to be from two worlds at the same time. He's working in one of the world's most dangerous hospitals in Yemen. When rebel forces take over the city, a group of Western mercenaries take refuge inside the hospital and Luke and his team find themselves in the middle of a deadly clash. To make matters worse, leading the mercenaries is an unwelcome figure from Luke's past. After years saving the lives of others, Luke needs to face the demons of his past in order to save his own.
THIS IS A DEBUT BOOK, I can’t believe it,it’s so well written that you would have thought the author had been writing for years. And that first paragraph. Before I started this book I decided that research was going to be needed so that I could understand the background. So I googled Yemen and read a bit about it, it reminded me why I don’t watch the news anymore.
In my mind I thought this was going to be like M A S H, but I was completely wrong. It was so hard hitting.
This is a no holds barred thriller based around the war, it’s powerful and hard hitting.It didn’t hold back about the horrors of the war and I actually felt at times that I was there.
But this book also highlighted what motivates doctors, nurses and others to volunteer.
The book surprised me that it was so fast paced, I thought it might have been slower but this theme propbaby needed to be fast paced .
I came away with a good understanding about what it’s like to be a humanitarian and I take my hat off to those people that do this.
This is a really good read that will stay with the reader for a very long time.
I hope there will be more from the author very soon
I have stopped watching the news, I can’t bear to see pictures of wars and fighting. I have a general idea of what is happening but I couldn't answer any questions on it. So when the chance came up to be on a blog tour for this book I decided to go ahead and apply as I was interested in reading an adult book on the subject.
Meet Luke Archer, a British Egyptian doctor who struggles to be from two worlds at the same time. He's working in one of the world's most dangerous hospitals in Yemen. When rebel forces take over the city, a group of Western mercenaries take refuge inside the hospital and Luke and his team find themselves in the middle of a deadly clash. To make matters worse, leading the mercenaries is an unwelcome figure from Luke's past. After years saving the lives of others, Luke needs to face the demons of his past in order to save his own.
THIS IS A DEBUT BOOK, I can’t believe it,it’s so well written that you would have thought the author had been writing for years. And that first paragraph. Before I started this book I decided that research was going to be needed so that I could understand the background. So I googled Yemen and read a bit about it, it reminded me why I don’t watch the news anymore.
In my mind I thought this was going to be like M A S H, but I was completely wrong. It was so hard hitting.
This is a no holds barred thriller based around the war, it’s powerful and hard hitting.It didn’t hold back about the horrors of the war and I actually felt at times that I was there.
But this book also highlighted what motivates doctors, nurses and others to volunteer.
The book surprised me that it was so fast paced, I thought it might have been slower but this theme propbaby needed to be fast paced .
I came away with a good understanding about what it’s like to be a humanitarian and I take my hat off to those people that do this.
This is a really good read that will stay with the reader for a very long time.
I hope there will be more from the author very soon
July 4, 2024
Wow - where to even begin. Absolutely one of my favorite reads of 2024. I was enamored by the authors turn of phrase. Even though it was a relatively short read, every page packed a punch - it was incredibly hard to put down. Highly recommend.
April 23, 2024
I wasn't quite prepared for this book at all.
I knew from the title that it was going to be pretty full on, but really wanted to stretch my reading with something a little different to my usual genre.
What I got was a brilliant, fast-paced thriller, packed with adventure, humour and a thought-provoking look at identity and predjudice.
There were some heavy themes within this storyline and I loved the way the author managed to diffuse some of the more difficult sections with humour - albeit dark humour, this really worked to make this read not as heavy as it could have been.
There was so much going on in the plot here but I particularly liked seeing the other side of war. So often, we see reports in the media about war zones and the humanitarian aid offered, but to live this through Luke here, really gave a much greater sense of the pressures and commitment these workers deal with.
This was a really engaging and enjoyable read which has stayed with me.
I knew from the title that it was going to be pretty full on, but really wanted to stretch my reading with something a little different to my usual genre.
What I got was a brilliant, fast-paced thriller, packed with adventure, humour and a thought-provoking look at identity and predjudice.
There were some heavy themes within this storyline and I loved the way the author managed to diffuse some of the more difficult sections with humour - albeit dark humour, this really worked to make this read not as heavy as it could have been.
There was so much going on in the plot here but I particularly liked seeing the other side of war. So often, we see reports in the media about war zones and the humanitarian aid offered, but to live this through Luke here, really gave a much greater sense of the pressures and commitment these workers deal with.
This was a really engaging and enjoyable read which has stayed with me.
April 30, 2024
With a title like Guns and Almond Milk, I really wondered what I was heading in to, but I was certainly intrigued. The story begins with a bang, and from the very beginning, I knew that this book was going to suck me in and never let me go.
Luke and his fellow aid workers were having a difficult enough time as it was, with limited supplies and too many patients, but when the mercenaries take refuge in the hospital and basically take over, none of them could even begin to imagine what they were in for next.
There were some very interesting characters in the story, and they were a real mixed bunch. Luke himself was an extremely complex character, with many layers, and a backstory that really gripped you. His backstory flows alongside the present day within the story seamlessly, and explains a lot of what is happening with him personally in the present day. I loved how the author drip fed the information throughout the book.
The brutality of war is on almost every page of the story, and is at times difficult to read, but it all adds to the feel and authenticity of the book. The violence ramps up to an explosive climax that has you on the edge of your seat. There’s a lot to take in and get your head around in those last couple of chapters, which lead to an ending that has you reeling.
This book is chaos from start to finish. It is intense, fast-paced, and has a raw honesty to the reality of war that people usually shy away from. This book will have you thinking for a long time after finishing.
I give Guns and Almond Milk a 4.5 star rating!
Luke and his fellow aid workers were having a difficult enough time as it was, with limited supplies and too many patients, but when the mercenaries take refuge in the hospital and basically take over, none of them could even begin to imagine what they were in for next.
There were some very interesting characters in the story, and they were a real mixed bunch. Luke himself was an extremely complex character, with many layers, and a backstory that really gripped you. His backstory flows alongside the present day within the story seamlessly, and explains a lot of what is happening with him personally in the present day. I loved how the author drip fed the information throughout the book.
The brutality of war is on almost every page of the story, and is at times difficult to read, but it all adds to the feel and authenticity of the book. The violence ramps up to an explosive climax that has you on the edge of your seat. There’s a lot to take in and get your head around in those last couple of chapters, which lead to an ending that has you reeling.
This book is chaos from start to finish. It is intense, fast-paced, and has a raw honesty to the reality of war that people usually shy away from. This book will have you thinking for a long time after finishing.
I give Guns and Almond Milk a 4.5 star rating!
Want to read
July 20, 2024has got to be top 10 in titles that have convinced me to read the book so i can figure out what they mean
May 1, 2024
(Note: I don't normally list TWs/CWs, but for this book, please remember that it's set during an armed conflict, so it gets graphic. There's also a lot of talk about drugs.)
I like a good thriller every now and then, but I didn't originally plan on picking this up. A trusted book friend recommended this to me, however, and as his recommendations have never failed in the past, I decided to give this a go — and I was not disappointed!
This book was great. I really enjoyed Luke's voice, and he had a lot of quotable lines. It was also very interesting to read the medical and war bits. I learned many new things and even had (mostly horrified) discussions with some friends about them (like Captagon or what we jokingly referred to as 'super soldier serum in pill form,' thanks MCU lol). The footnotes were also a fantastic addition! I cackled at most of them. Authors should do them more, I think.
It was also nice to have a POC protagonist and have his cultural and identity struggles brought into the light. I mean, as a non-Western, non-white reader (and presently living in the West) I'm well aware of them, but now more people will get to read about them because of this book. Plus the novel is written in first person POV so it's really from that POC character's perspective, which is more potent. Some lines resonated deeply with me — like how Westerners have so many options that they don't know what to do with them, while non-Westerners have to make do because they have no choice.
All in all, this is a fantastic book and I highly recommend it!
I like a good thriller every now and then, but I didn't originally plan on picking this up. A trusted book friend recommended this to me, however, and as his recommendations have never failed in the past, I decided to give this a go — and I was not disappointed!
This book was great. I really enjoyed Luke's voice, and he had a lot of quotable lines. It was also very interesting to read the medical and war bits. I learned many new things and even had (mostly horrified) discussions with some friends about them (like Captagon or what we jokingly referred to as 'super soldier serum in pill form,' thanks MCU lol). The footnotes were also a fantastic addition! I cackled at most of them. Authors should do them more, I think.
It was also nice to have a POC protagonist and have his cultural and identity struggles brought into the light. I mean, as a non-Western, non-white reader (and presently living in the West) I'm well aware of them, but now more people will get to read about them because of this book. Plus the novel is written in first person POV so it's really from that POC character's perspective, which is more potent. Some lines resonated deeply with me — like how Westerners have so many options that they don't know what to do with them, while non-Westerners have to make do because they have no choice.
All in all, this is a fantastic book and I highly recommend it!
February 20, 2024
It's not surprising that the narrator of this story should find himself on the front line of a battle, because his life to date has been a war zone.
Who exactly is he, for a start? Adam, or Luke? The former name, given him by his Egyptian birth parents who migrated to the UK, is changed to Luke when he's adopted by an English couple after the tragic loss of those biological parents.
Bullied at school for being 'other', Luke defends himself as best he can and grows up resentful of the hand life's dealt him—and things only get worse after another tragic turn of events leaves him with both physical and psychological scars.
Overcoming these obstacles, he becomes a successful surgeon—only to see his promising career in the NHS put paid to by another blow from a hostile world which seems to have it in for him.
Which is how he ends up in a hospital in war-torn Yemen, working for a humanitarian organisation and viewed with some suspicion by his colleagues and the locals alike—because he's 'other' to both.
With dark deeds of his past catching up with him and his future increasingly seeming non-existent, Luke has to live in the moment and attempt to survive.
With the precision of a surgeon, author Mustafa Marwan stitches together a seamless narrative which moves between Luke's troubled past and his uncertain present. The writing is assured, syntax and grammar almost flawless. I especially like the way Luke's employment tribunal in the UK is mirrored by his negotiations with the rebel fighters in the Yemen.
There's blood and guts aplenty, with gallows humour to balance the horror of the hostages' situation. It's only February, so I haven't yet read many books this year, but this one's in contention for the top spot of 2024. Highly recommended.
Who exactly is he, for a start? Adam, or Luke? The former name, given him by his Egyptian birth parents who migrated to the UK, is changed to Luke when he's adopted by an English couple after the tragic loss of those biological parents.
Bullied at school for being 'other', Luke defends himself as best he can and grows up resentful of the hand life's dealt him—and things only get worse after another tragic turn of events leaves him with both physical and psychological scars.
Overcoming these obstacles, he becomes a successful surgeon—only to see his promising career in the NHS put paid to by another blow from a hostile world which seems to have it in for him.
Which is how he ends up in a hospital in war-torn Yemen, working for a humanitarian organisation and viewed with some suspicion by his colleagues and the locals alike—because he's 'other' to both.
With dark deeds of his past catching up with him and his future increasingly seeming non-existent, Luke has to live in the moment and attempt to survive.
With the precision of a surgeon, author Mustafa Marwan stitches together a seamless narrative which moves between Luke's troubled past and his uncertain present. The writing is assured, syntax and grammar almost flawless. I especially like the way Luke's employment tribunal in the UK is mirrored by his negotiations with the rebel fighters in the Yemen.
There's blood and guts aplenty, with gallows humour to balance the horror of the hostages' situation. It's only February, so I haven't yet read many books this year, but this one's in contention for the top spot of 2024. Highly recommended.
April 26, 2024
An insightful and raw debut novel set in the midst of war-torn Yemen. With blistering and bluntly real scenes, Guns and Almond Milk deals with a nightmarish situation, where mercenaries have hunkered down in the hospital where protagonist Luke Archer works as a doctor. Worse still, one of the mercenaries is a hostile ghost from Luke's past, one that he attempts to escape through a medley of drugs. Traumas are presented with stark detachment in a way that allows the protagonist to emotionally distance himself from the human element of feeling but simultaneously strikes the reader to the core. The language is beautifully crafted and impactful. A tense, fast-paced, and unputdownable novel. #gunsandalmondmilk #mustafamarwan #interlinkbooks #TheWriteReads
December 27, 2023
This fast-paced thriller took me to places I did not expect!
Really grateful for the opportunity it gave me to learn more about Yemen and humanitarian work in war zones. Despite addressing heavy themes, I found myself giggling in between. Really enjoyed musical/cultural references sprinkled throughout.
The story is engaging with unlikable yet relatable characters. It makes you reflect on the hypocrisy within yourself, with a perfect balance of self-deprecation.
And all in all a great read!!
Really grateful for the opportunity it gave me to learn more about Yemen and humanitarian work in war zones. Despite addressing heavy themes, I found myself giggling in between. Really enjoyed musical/cultural references sprinkled throughout.
The story is engaging with unlikable yet relatable characters. It makes you reflect on the hypocrisy within yourself, with a perfect balance of self-deprecation.
And all in all a great read!!
July 7, 2024
A little far fetched at times, with lots of funny and semi-funny quips, but an interesting debut that I enjoyed overall. I would read another book by this author in the future. 3.5 stars ⭐️
July 18, 2024
Thank you so much NetGalley, the publisher and the writer (esp. The writer because he sent me the ARC when I couldn’t finish my NetGalley ARC on time and it expired) for sending an eARC of Guns and Almond Milk by Mustafa Marwan
In short, it was a rollercoaster ride, honestly! And one that keeps you hooked till the end.
On a serious note, it is quite an eye-opening book about the conflicts that keep happening in the middle east region. First, they are ravaged by foreign wars, then there are all sorts of humanitarian conferences and aids and welfare programs, doctors and other humanitarians going to these war-torn countries, the many rebellions that arise among various sects within these countries, the foreign involvement that adds fuel to the fire. This has been happening since ages and it keeps happening because those in power never really want peace to prevail.
Apart from that, this is narrated by Luke Archer (he has quite a few names), who is a British Egyptian Surgeon and has an immensely complicated past. The narrative shifts between the present in war-torn Yemen with rebels creating havoc and foreign mercenaries fighting them and Luke’s past.
What I loved about this book is how real it all was. The prejudices of white people against the people of color, their constant disregard of their culture and also the entitlement they feel along with the saviour complex. It was also funny to see how they want their own safety first when the going gets tough.
On the other hand, it is about those who will do anything for their doctor’s oath and even put their lives to save their patients or locals. The prejudices run on both sides.
Another thing to note is how little do these people know who kill in the name of God. They will use the religion card to kill and spread chaos while knowing nothing about the true beliefs of the religion.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The accidental meetup with someone from Luke’s past and how it went and ended was truly a rollercoaster ride. So much happens in such a short time period.
Definitely a recommended read.
In short, it was a rollercoaster ride, honestly! And one that keeps you hooked till the end.
On a serious note, it is quite an eye-opening book about the conflicts that keep happening in the middle east region. First, they are ravaged by foreign wars, then there are all sorts of humanitarian conferences and aids and welfare programs, doctors and other humanitarians going to these war-torn countries, the many rebellions that arise among various sects within these countries, the foreign involvement that adds fuel to the fire. This has been happening since ages and it keeps happening because those in power never really want peace to prevail.
Apart from that, this is narrated by Luke Archer (he has quite a few names), who is a British Egyptian Surgeon and has an immensely complicated past. The narrative shifts between the present in war-torn Yemen with rebels creating havoc and foreign mercenaries fighting them and Luke’s past.
What I loved about this book is how real it all was. The prejudices of white people against the people of color, their constant disregard of their culture and also the entitlement they feel along with the saviour complex. It was also funny to see how they want their own safety first when the going gets tough.
On the other hand, it is about those who will do anything for their doctor’s oath and even put their lives to save their patients or locals. The prejudices run on both sides.
Another thing to note is how little do these people know who kill in the name of God. They will use the religion card to kill and spread chaos while knowing nothing about the true beliefs of the religion.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The accidental meetup with someone from Luke’s past and how it went and ended was truly a rollercoaster ride. So much happens in such a short time period.
Definitely a recommended read.
March 22, 2024
Having worked in the international humanitarian space, I was fascinated to see how this book would straddle two worlds. The author manages to bring credibility and realism to both Yemen and London, the former with often heartbreaking detail. Touches of humour remind us that humanity is what it is and that can sometimes mean the ludicrous is reality. I really enjoyed the writing style and felt that the author brought respect and perspective to a troubling context. Again, I loved the humour and the way the author wrote - just so fresh and new.
July 4, 2024
Despite my disappointment in the lack of mentions of the glory that is Yamani food and several mentions to bland English food, this book is it!
The action! the twists! the conversations about conflicts and shit!
I can't wait to see more work by this writer, if that's the quality of his first title.
Some editorial issues I found though are:
-A footnote explained a word "khat" after several mentions of the word instead of the first instant. I for one don't even find a need for footnotes in fiction, it's a thing I noticed in books coming out of the middle east, we have the need to explain ourselves in fear westerners will not understand us. My advice ditch the footnotes because you know...google is free.
-The phrase "Peeing standing is the last right men have in this progressive age" pissed me off because other gender's rights are not taking anything away from men, it's not a zero sum game. Although I would argue that Egyptians are stuck in the past a bit and saying such things only adds to the authenticity of the protagonist. (I can say that, I am Egyptian. Eat my Pharaoh butt)
-This is my biggest gripe with the book, a British person omits the article "the" before the word hospital. "She was sent to hospital" rather than "she was sent to the hospital". Not a single time the article "the" was omitted despite the word hospital being mentioned so many times. In light of saying that and to be fair a great deal of real British words were used correctly (bloke, lad, mate, the difference between chips and crisps and my favourite "what's the craic?") (lowkey joking here)
My favourite quote:
"I'm wearing my white coat, which in a hospital is the superman costume to my Clark Kent, but now feels like the shroud of my own grave."
Earlier in the chapter the concept of Tar or honour killing was explained and I really like the analogy of a doctor feeling that their white coat a signifier of a non combatant civilian felt like a burial cloth. Which is interesting to me because we like to fool ourselves by thinking that their is civility in war and there are rules to be followed but the reality is that these rules are much easier to be uttered by spectators.
The action! the twists! the conversations about conflicts and shit!
I can't wait to see more work by this writer, if that's the quality of his first title.
Some editorial issues I found though are:
-A footnote explained a word "khat" after several mentions of the word instead of the first instant. I for one don't even find a need for footnotes in fiction, it's a thing I noticed in books coming out of the middle east, we have the need to explain ourselves in fear westerners will not understand us. My advice ditch the footnotes because you know...google is free.
-The phrase "Peeing standing is the last right men have in this progressive age" pissed me off because other gender's rights are not taking anything away from men, it's not a zero sum game. Although I would argue that Egyptians are stuck in the past a bit and saying such things only adds to the authenticity of the protagonist. (I can say that, I am Egyptian. Eat my Pharaoh butt)
-This is my biggest gripe with the book, a British person omits the article "the" before the word hospital. "She was sent to hospital" rather than "she was sent to the hospital". Not a single time the article "the" was omitted despite the word hospital being mentioned so many times. In light of saying that and to be fair a great deal of real British words were used correctly (bloke, lad, mate, the difference between chips and crisps and my favourite "what's the craic?") (lowkey joking here)
My favourite quote:
"I'm wearing my white coat, which in a hospital is the superman costume to my Clark Kent, but now feels like the shroud of my own grave."
Earlier in the chapter the concept of Tar or honour killing was explained and I really like the analogy of a doctor feeling that their white coat a signifier of a non combatant civilian felt like a burial cloth. Which is interesting to me because we like to fool ourselves by thinking that their is civility in war and there are rules to be followed but the reality is that these rules are much easier to be uttered by spectators.
May 5, 2024
Thank you to the author Mustafa Marwan and @The_WriteReads for the e-copy of this book that was sent to me.
Guns and almond milk was a book belonging to a genre that I never really quite have enjoyed and sometimes which I deliberately skip over. War fiction, if not written in a compelling way can be a let down for most readers. But this is exactly the point where this particular book excels and becomes everyone's favourite.
This book starts off in the sandy desert atmosphere in Yemen, war torn, blasting bombs and lots and lots of tension of all forms and types. The book grabs your attention from the get go and keeps you hooked till the very last page. The main character of this book, Luke, is who narrates the story to us in present tense and takes us inside experiences that we could only dream of and places we have never been to. But the special thing about this book is that it doesn't overload you with a bunch of bullets, blood and all that war shenanigans. It has a deep story blanketed beneath all the violence, rich in human emotion and experience. Every setting is vividly described by the author and this is an incredible debut. I can really imagine how good the author's next book would be. It was overall an intriguing read, one that sticks out of the usual tales and will stay with you for a while.
Guns and almond milk was a book belonging to a genre that I never really quite have enjoyed and sometimes which I deliberately skip over. War fiction, if not written in a compelling way can be a let down for most readers. But this is exactly the point where this particular book excels and becomes everyone's favourite.
This book starts off in the sandy desert atmosphere in Yemen, war torn, blasting bombs and lots and lots of tension of all forms and types. The book grabs your attention from the get go and keeps you hooked till the very last page. The main character of this book, Luke, is who narrates the story to us in present tense and takes us inside experiences that we could only dream of and places we have never been to. But the special thing about this book is that it doesn't overload you with a bunch of bullets, blood and all that war shenanigans. It has a deep story blanketed beneath all the violence, rich in human emotion and experience. Every setting is vividly described by the author and this is an incredible debut. I can really imagine how good the author's next book would be. It was overall an intriguing read, one that sticks out of the usual tales and will stay with you for a while.
June 15, 2024
got this book for the epic title and cover, stayed for the epic writing and plot 🫡
this should have been the war novel we read in my AP Language class instead of the things we carried and catch 22 😭
this should have been the war novel we read in my AP Language class instead of the things we carried and catch 22 😭
May 14, 2024
In awe of the crazy brave international humanitarian aid workers who go into the scariest, most dangerous and conflict zones to do missions. Blown away by where one centimeter could be the difference between life or death in this fictional thriller story.
February 23, 2024
Guns and Almond Milk was an intense read. It is equally a pacey thriller with elements of dark or gallows humour and also a look at identity and how people look and view others. It is a difficult book to review in depth without spoiling what happens but I will say that there is a lot here to appeal to large section of readers of different genres and styles.
Marwan’s writing is captivating. It is serious and shows the violence surrounding war but at the same time there is a dark humour there which breaks up the bleakness to allow you a little respite. Tied with this is a pacy story that sees Marwan merge several storylines into a novel you cannot put down. On a deeper level though it is also about the idea of ‘other’ and internalised prejudices on all sides. While this is an enjoyable thriller it does give you a pause to think of your own biases and how it may affect those around you. That said it is not overt, you can ‘ignore’ or gloss over this but I am unsure why you would want to.
As I said it is hard to go deeper without spoilers but needless to say if you love pacey action-packed thrillers this is one for you.
Marwan’s writing is captivating. It is serious and shows the violence surrounding war but at the same time there is a dark humour there which breaks up the bleakness to allow you a little respite. Tied with this is a pacy story that sees Marwan merge several storylines into a novel you cannot put down. On a deeper level though it is also about the idea of ‘other’ and internalised prejudices on all sides. While this is an enjoyable thriller it does give you a pause to think of your own biases and how it may affect those around you. That said it is not overt, you can ‘ignore’ or gloss over this but I am unsure why you would want to.
As I said it is hard to go deeper without spoilers but needless to say if you love pacey action-packed thrillers this is one for you.
April 13, 2024
Book Review
"Guns and Almond Milk" by Mustafa Marwan takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the war-torn landscape of Yemen, blending elements of action, suspense, and redemption in a gripping narrative.
The story follows Luke Archer, a British Egyptian doctor who flees his troubled past in the UK to become a war surgeon in Yemen. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he is captured by Western security contractors during a siege at a hospital in Yemen. As Luke grapples with his own demons, he must confront the challenges of identity, war, and redemption in order to survive.
Marwan skillfully weaves together the personal struggles of his characters with the larger backdrop of the Yemeni conflict, offering readers a nuanced exploration of humanitarian work, religion, assimilation, and Middle Eastern politics. The dynamic relationship between Luke and Max Gorsky, a security contractor with ties to Luke's past, adds depth to the narrative and keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Filled with adrenaline-pumping action scenes, unexpected plot twists, and thought-provoking themes, "Guns and Almond Milk" is a must-read for fans of fast-paced fiction. Marwan's vivid storytelling and vivid characterizations bring the story to life, immersing readers in a world where love, murder, and thrill collide.
Overall, "Guns and Almond Milk" is a compelling and timely novel that offers a fresh perspective on the complexities of conflict and the human condition. It's a riveting read that will leave readers eagerly anticipating Mustafa Marwan's next literary adventure.
"Guns and Almond Milk" by Mustafa Marwan takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the war-torn landscape of Yemen, blending elements of action, suspense, and redemption in a gripping narrative.
The story follows Luke Archer, a British Egyptian doctor who flees his troubled past in the UK to become a war surgeon in Yemen. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he is captured by Western security contractors during a siege at a hospital in Yemen. As Luke grapples with his own demons, he must confront the challenges of identity, war, and redemption in order to survive.
Marwan skillfully weaves together the personal struggles of his characters with the larger backdrop of the Yemeni conflict, offering readers a nuanced exploration of humanitarian work, religion, assimilation, and Middle Eastern politics. The dynamic relationship between Luke and Max Gorsky, a security contractor with ties to Luke's past, adds depth to the narrative and keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Filled with adrenaline-pumping action scenes, unexpected plot twists, and thought-provoking themes, "Guns and Almond Milk" is a must-read for fans of fast-paced fiction. Marwan's vivid storytelling and vivid characterizations bring the story to life, immersing readers in a world where love, murder, and thrill collide.
Overall, "Guns and Almond Milk" is a compelling and timely novel that offers a fresh perspective on the complexities of conflict and the human condition. It's a riveting read that will leave readers eagerly anticipating Mustafa Marwan's next literary adventure.
February 15, 2024
The characters are interesting. The book is compelling and emotional.The writing is gripping. There were some twists and turns that kept me on edge. Luke is a british Egyptian Doctor. He started working in Yemen. His backstory is poignant and I could connect with other characters too. But the time comes when he has to deal with his past. The author has written about different culture, religion and belief. There is a description of war and the things that were happening in London and Yemen. There are thieves in london and aid workers in Yemen. The author gives us a glimpse of humanitarian and Middle eastern politics.
Thanks to author and publisher
Thanks to author and publisher
April 21, 2024
Luke Archer is of Egyptian descent, but was raised by English adoptive parents. He is Muslim, but apart from respect for certain precepts, not particularly religious. He is a surgeon, but uses drugs to treat a possibly psychosomatic headache, and therefore can no longer practise in England. He is also someone who is used to losing everything, living between worlds and trying to disappear into the group. You would say he is the perfect candidate to become a war doctor, in places where the situation is so compromised that the rules somehow look more like a torn fabric. And indeed he ends up in Yemen, in the midst of a bloody revolution and with fellow adventurers whose motivations are as fragile as his own. It is in Yemen that the knots in Luke's life will come to a head, finally forcing him to give himself a true identity.
Written with skill and black humour, the novel does justice (however inappropriate this term may seem) to the reality of the many revolutions that are shaking the world's poorest countries, where the only widely available commodity is weapons, whose use and trade certainly does not benefit those for whose freedom and democracy they are said to be made available.
Written with skill and black humour, the novel does justice (however inappropriate this term may seem) to the reality of the many revolutions that are shaking the world's poorest countries, where the only widely available commodity is weapons, whose use and trade certainly does not benefit those for whose freedom and democracy they are said to be made available.
November 1, 2023
Guns and Almond Milk crossed my path through a Fb post with the link to the first chapter, celebrating the Page Tuner Award final.
I was captured, or rather kidnapped, by the very first lines of the novel. Over the following days, I could not help but keeping thinking of the characters I had met for such a short yet incredibly intense time.
I managed to access the full book while I was travelling. I could not wait to have access to an e-reader or laptop: I plunged into the pdf version downloaded on my phone, it was definitely worth the eyesight decline.
I felt I became addicted to a story that touched deep inside my personal reflections and professional experiences. This is not a book you need to find time for. It finds the time by itself, it gifts you the time to (re)connect with your own identity doubts, the sense of guilt sliding within your own being, the ironic comments that silently cross your mind, your fears, your anger, your hopes.
I was captured, or rather kidnapped, by the very first lines of the novel. Over the following days, I could not help but keeping thinking of the characters I had met for such a short yet incredibly intense time.
I managed to access the full book while I was travelling. I could not wait to have access to an e-reader or laptop: I plunged into the pdf version downloaded on my phone, it was definitely worth the eyesight decline.
I felt I became addicted to a story that touched deep inside my personal reflections and professional experiences. This is not a book you need to find time for. It finds the time by itself, it gifts you the time to (re)connect with your own identity doubts, the sense of guilt sliding within your own being, the ironic comments that silently cross your mind, your fears, your anger, your hopes.
April 5, 2024
The first three pages and I was hooked! Mustafa Marwan’s writing is beautifully crafted with a fascinating cast of quirky characters and carefully woven storylines that keeps the pages turning. His navigation of the complex nature of belief, religion and culture, war and humanitarian actions with comedy, pathos and irony provides a journey for the reader that is delightful, painful, hilarious and challenging and that includes the finale too! I laughed, I cried and I’m still thinking over it now. I will most definitely be reading this again soon and hope that there will be a second Mustafa Marwan novel. Guns and Almonds is a story of our time that’s for sure!!!
April 13, 2024
Guns and Almond Milk" is a gripping tale of redemption, courage, and the complexities of identity in a world torn apart by conflict. The protagonist, Luke Archer, a British Egyptian doctor, finds himself ensnared in a web of danger and deceit as he navigates the treacherous landscape of war-torn Yemen. As a war surgeon, he grapples not only with the physical wounds of his patients but also with the scars of his own troubled past.
The author skillfully weaves together the threads of Luke's past and present, delving into his dual identity as a first-generation British Muslim with Egyptian heritage. This struggle to reconcile his cultural heritage with his present reality adds depth to the character and serves as a poignant backdrop to the unfolding drama.
The plot is relentless in its pacing, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each twist and turn. From the besieged hospital in Yemen to the shadowy underworld of stolen artifacts in the UK, the narrative is rife with tension and suspense. The dynamic between Luke and Max Gorsky, his former accomplice turned patient, adds another layer of intrigue as they confront their shared past while fighting for survival in the present.
Overall, "Guns and Almond Milk" is a compelling read that challenges the mind, tugs at the heartstrings, and leaves readers breathless with anticipation.
The author skillfully weaves together the threads of Luke's past and present, delving into his dual identity as a first-generation British Muslim with Egyptian heritage. This struggle to reconcile his cultural heritage with his present reality adds depth to the character and serves as a poignant backdrop to the unfolding drama.
The plot is relentless in its pacing, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each twist and turn. From the besieged hospital in Yemen to the shadowy underworld of stolen artifacts in the UK, the narrative is rife with tension and suspense. The dynamic between Luke and Max Gorsky, his former accomplice turned patient, adds another layer of intrigue as they confront their shared past while fighting for survival in the present.
Overall, "Guns and Almond Milk" is a compelling read that challenges the mind, tugs at the heartstrings, and leaves readers breathless with anticipation.
June 18, 2024
I just finished Guns and Almonds - By @mustafamarwan7 and I'm blown away with his debut novel. It's set in war-torn Yemen, but it's not your typical heavy war story. It follows a humanitarian aid medical team consisting of foreign volunteers from all walks of life escaping from all kinds of possible personal realities. This is a team that somehow manages to procure almond milk but don't have access to medical supplies amidst the chaos.
Honestly, I don't know how many times I caught myself chuckling at the author's sarcastic humour throughout this grim storyline . I ended up scolding myself for the audacity to find humour in such a tragic and very close to current day's war zone truth.
It's just a combination I didn't think was possible to begin with, let alone truly be captivated by. But it totally makes sense at the end of the day it is psychology of survival! Behind that joke or sarcasm can lie a universe of pain and suffering.
The author's voice is sharp, witty, and completely draws you in. Under the laughter, there's this deep, gut-wrenching view of what war does to people. Fascism, racism, karma, laced with sarcastic one-liners by someone who seem to be so done with all of it and that he can't help himself but retort with words ( his mastery) even in the most dangerous of situations. Makes me wonder to what extent does the book call upon Mustafa's personal experiences.
Honestly, I don't know how many times I caught myself chuckling at the author's sarcastic humour throughout this grim storyline . I ended up scolding myself for the audacity to find humour in such a tragic and very close to current day's war zone truth.
It's just a combination I didn't think was possible to begin with, let alone truly be captivated by. But it totally makes sense at the end of the day it is psychology of survival! Behind that joke or sarcasm can lie a universe of pain and suffering.
The author's voice is sharp, witty, and completely draws you in. Under the laughter, there's this deep, gut-wrenching view of what war does to people. Fascism, racism, karma, laced with sarcastic one-liners by someone who seem to be so done with all of it and that he can't help himself but retort with words ( his mastery) even in the most dangerous of situations. Makes me wonder to what extent does the book call upon Mustafa's personal experiences.
April 21, 2024
I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and BooksGoSocial.
Marwan's storytelling is so visually vivid and skillful, surprising in this debut novel. I read this in one sitting. It's a gripping story told in interwoven timelines - present-day war-torn Yemen and London in the past. I didn't know what to expect but was compelled by a story filled with the horrors of war and those who provide humanitarian aid. It is also a story about guilt and redemption, physical and psychological scars, religion and politics, and the complexities of the human condition.
Marwan's storytelling is so visually vivid and skillful, surprising in this debut novel. I read this in one sitting. It's a gripping story told in interwoven timelines - present-day war-torn Yemen and London in the past. I didn't know what to expect but was compelled by a story filled with the horrors of war and those who provide humanitarian aid. It is also a story about guilt and redemption, physical and psychological scars, religion and politics, and the complexities of the human condition.
July 10, 2024
A fantastic page turner of a book. The pace is quick and the pressure of the plot is intense. The dual timelines work well to keep you wondering just what went wrong and the reveal at the absolute end of the book will take your breath away. Knowledge of the conflict in Yemen is not needed to understand the book yet it is a good time for the average reader to find out more. The real power of the book is how the author draws out the feeling of never quite fitting in, exemplified by the protagonist. Highly recommended read
June 29, 2024
What a book! So crisp, so bang on true with lots of twists and turns, back and forth. A gripping narrative. 🤍
The best book I have read this year.
It was totally worth waiting for 20 days for it to reach India and worth the price. Once I started it last weekend, I have not been able to put this down.
The best book I have read this year.
It was totally worth waiting for 20 days for it to reach India and worth the price. Once I started it last weekend, I have not been able to put this down.
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