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Protest!
175 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 8, 2026
About the author
Joan Lewis
4 books9 followersJoan has always loved telling stories, and introducing young children to some of the best tales in the world. She has worked in schools as a teacher and headteacher both in Germany, and in different parts of England and Wales. Nowadays she lives in a beautiful and remote part of the Languedoc in Southern France, where the utter peace and beauty of these surroundings provide plenty of stimulation for her writing. She likes to blog about life in France too, at joansjottings.net..
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 15, 2026
Couldn't Put It Down
Review for “Protest!” by Joan Lewis. What a great, exciting read. Couldn’t put it down. Can’t unsee the image of a 72 year old lady handcuffed and in the grips of four burly police officers simply for waving a cardboard sign at a peaceful demonstration. The book explores the question of ‘what is the world coming to?’ through the eyes of people of varying age, race and economic situation. Carys, the 72 year old lady, thrown in prison without a hearing or trial was actually shocking. The characters and their relationships are vivid and relatable. Family loyalties, work relationships, old friendships and new are put to the test against the background of the world going to hell, fear, the bad guys in charge and no solution in sight. I thoroughly enjoyed this multi-layered story with a plot that hung together perfectly right through to the end. There is a satisfying surprise ending (can’t say more, don’t want to spoil it) that I didn’t see coming. If you like action and adventure, or if you’ve ever held up a cardboard sign at a protest, you will enjoy this fast paced, well written book.
Review for “Protest!” by Joan Lewis. What a great, exciting read. Couldn’t put it down. Can’t unsee the image of a 72 year old lady handcuffed and in the grips of four burly police officers simply for waving a cardboard sign at a peaceful demonstration. The book explores the question of ‘what is the world coming to?’ through the eyes of people of varying age, race and economic situation. Carys, the 72 year old lady, thrown in prison without a hearing or trial was actually shocking. The characters and their relationships are vivid and relatable. Family loyalties, work relationships, old friendships and new are put to the test against the background of the world going to hell, fear, the bad guys in charge and no solution in sight. I thoroughly enjoyed this multi-layered story with a plot that hung together perfectly right through to the end. There is a satisfying surprise ending (can’t say more, don’t want to spoil it) that I didn’t see coming. If you like action and adventure, or if you’ve ever held up a cardboard sign at a protest, you will enjoy this fast paced, well written book.
May 13, 2026
“Protest!” by Joan Lewis follows a retired doctor named Carys after she is arrested during a fascist government’s crack-down of free speech. The story volleys mostly between Carys, imprisoned in Europe, and her estranged son Bryn, a journalist living in Africa. Lewis sets her drama in fictionalized nations, but the situations are painfully familiar.
The story shines when it focuses on the developing camaraderie and friendships amongst the imprisoned women, among whom Carys becomes known as Gran. There’s another story tied to Bryn that reveals corruption at the highest levels, but it seems undercooked and only serves to move characters from point A to B. There were a few structural issues – missing quotation marks, some abrupt scene transitions – but nothing too distracting. The ending also felt incomplete, but I wonder if that is because Lewis intends to continue with these characters in future tales.
Overall, Lewis has created interesting people in perilous times and holds a mirror to current affairs. “Protest!” is a compelling, albeit incomplete, read.
The story shines when it focuses on the developing camaraderie and friendships amongst the imprisoned women, among whom Carys becomes known as Gran. There’s another story tied to Bryn that reveals corruption at the highest levels, but it seems undercooked and only serves to move characters from point A to B. There were a few structural issues – missing quotation marks, some abrupt scene transitions – but nothing too distracting. The ending also felt incomplete, but I wonder if that is because Lewis intends to continue with these characters in future tales.
Overall, Lewis has created interesting people in perilous times and holds a mirror to current affairs. “Protest!” is a compelling, albeit incomplete, read.
July 18, 2026
Readable Political Fiction That Falls Short on Immersion
Protest by Joan Lewis is a relatively short, quick read that promises a story of political resistance, family estrangement, and protest against authoritarianism in a near-future European setting. The premise — a retired doctor and her estranged son navigating oppression, personal loss, and the fight for justice — appealed to me, especially given the positive reviews I saw. Unfortunately, while the book is easy to get through, it ultimately left me feeling bored and unconvinced by its execution.
The writing itself is fluent and accessible. The prose flows well enough that I never struggled to keep reading, and the story moves at a steady pace without unnecessary flourishes. This makes it a decent choice if you're looking for something undemanding. A few characters show genuine development, most notably Debs, whose arc from a troubled background toward something more hopeful stands out as one of the book's brighter spots.
However, the story as a whole feels very thin. The central plot could be summarized in just a few sentences, and many key events rely on coincidences, convenient oversights, or developments that strain believability. For instance, major security lapses (unseen entries/exits, overlooked evidence) and unrealistic political consequences undermine the tension. The dystopian atmosphere the book attempts to create never quite lands — the oppressive society is described but doesn't feel convincingly different from an ordinary Western country in how institutions and daily life function. This makes the "protest" element and the stakes feel abstract rather than immersive.
The characters are serviceable but often underdeveloped. Carys, the retired doctor, and her son Bryn drive the narrative, but their backstories and motivations (including unexplained family losses) could have been explored with more depth.
One of the book's more noticeable aspects is its engagement with political and social themes: critiques of Western democracy, power structures, race, and oppression. These elements come across as heavy-handed virtue signaling at times — references to authors like Margaret Atwood appear more as shorthand than integrated ideas. The contrast between a "fascist" Europe and a democratic former colony feels more asserted than convincingly shown, which weakens the emotional and intellectual impact. Readers sensitive to overt messaging may find this particularly unpersuasive.
The ending tries for surprise and catharsis but feels abrupt and convenient rather than earned, further highlighting the story's reliance on improbable turns.
In summary, Protest has a promising setup and readable style, but its thin plot, logical gaps, and underdeveloped dystopian world keep it from realizing its potential. In many ways, the material might have worked better as a short story rather than a full novel. It earns a 3 out of 5 stars from me — fine for a quick, undemanding read if you enjoy stories with strong ideological leanings and aren't bothered by realism issues. It seems to resonate most with audiences who appreciate narratives framing the West critically and highlighting redemption arcs amid systemic critique. If you're seeking gripping political fiction with depth and immersion, though, you may want to look elsewhere.
Protest by Joan Lewis is a relatively short, quick read that promises a story of political resistance, family estrangement, and protest against authoritarianism in a near-future European setting. The premise — a retired doctor and her estranged son navigating oppression, personal loss, and the fight for justice — appealed to me, especially given the positive reviews I saw. Unfortunately, while the book is easy to get through, it ultimately left me feeling bored and unconvinced by its execution.
The writing itself is fluent and accessible. The prose flows well enough that I never struggled to keep reading, and the story moves at a steady pace without unnecessary flourishes. This makes it a decent choice if you're looking for something undemanding. A few characters show genuine development, most notably Debs, whose arc from a troubled background toward something more hopeful stands out as one of the book's brighter spots.
However, the story as a whole feels very thin. The central plot could be summarized in just a few sentences, and many key events rely on coincidences, convenient oversights, or developments that strain believability. For instance, major security lapses (unseen entries/exits, overlooked evidence) and unrealistic political consequences undermine the tension. The dystopian atmosphere the book attempts to create never quite lands — the oppressive society is described but doesn't feel convincingly different from an ordinary Western country in how institutions and daily life function. This makes the "protest" element and the stakes feel abstract rather than immersive.
The characters are serviceable but often underdeveloped. Carys, the retired doctor, and her son Bryn drive the narrative, but their backstories and motivations (including unexplained family losses) could have been explored with more depth.
One of the book's more noticeable aspects is its engagement with political and social themes: critiques of Western democracy, power structures, race, and oppression. These elements come across as heavy-handed virtue signaling at times — references to authors like Margaret Atwood appear more as shorthand than integrated ideas. The contrast between a "fascist" Europe and a democratic former colony feels more asserted than convincingly shown, which weakens the emotional and intellectual impact. Readers sensitive to overt messaging may find this particularly unpersuasive.
The ending tries for surprise and catharsis but feels abrupt and convenient rather than earned, further highlighting the story's reliance on improbable turns.
In summary, Protest has a promising setup and readable style, but its thin plot, logical gaps, and underdeveloped dystopian world keep it from realizing its potential. In many ways, the material might have worked better as a short story rather than a full novel. It earns a 3 out of 5 stars from me — fine for a quick, undemanding read if you enjoy stories with strong ideological leanings and aren't bothered by realism issues. It seems to resonate most with audiences who appreciate narratives framing the West critically and highlighting redemption arcs amid systemic critique. If you're seeking gripping political fiction with depth and immersion, though, you may want to look elsewhere.
May 31, 2026
Retired medical doctor Karys Kuta lands herself in hot water when she participates in a political protest against her oppressive, warmongering government. Her widely-publicized arrest brings her notoriety. But while her own experiences during and after incarceration have a profound effect on her, they’re almost matched by her estranged son’s attempts to reconcile with her later. He still lives in the (fictional) African country where he was born, and works as a journalist. His mixed-race heritage means he’s not entirely welcome in the increasingly ethnonationalist European country (also fictional) where she currently resides.
The best things about Protest! are its originality and unpredictability. It’s neither a slick political thriller nor cookie-cutter women’s fiction. It’s a scrappy, rough-around-the-edges drama that’s part redemption, part cautionary tale set in a dystopian future, and features often sweet interpersonal relationships. I liked the central heroine, Karys, and the positive effect she had on everyone around her.
It’s a politically charged story. To be honest, the whole thing comes across as a kind of liberal fantasy, where the heroine gets to play martyr for a righteous cause, minorities are oppressed by a white supremacist European government (that bullies other nations), and criminals are misunderstood victims. Fortunately, the characters are three-dimensional, with flaws as well as virtues, and their interactions mostly ring true. The messy relationships are believable and I genuinely didn’t know where the narrative was going to go in the second half.
The writing is solid and easy to read. I did get a couple of the supporting female characters mixed up several times; some of the transitions and time jumps weren’t as clear as they could have been. And the clunky structure gave the story itself an odd shape, resulting in the mystery element receiving relatively short shrift. I liked the idea of the narrative bridging continents, and the gradual drawing together of estranged mother and son worked well for me.
It’s a difficult book to describe. Readers will know quite early on whether they’re going to enjoy it or not. I did, for the most part, and those elements I had misgivings about might be my own personal taste. It’s certainly offbeat and has character; both are things to be encouraged. I recommend giving it a whirl if you’re in the mood for something different.
The best things about Protest! are its originality and unpredictability. It’s neither a slick political thriller nor cookie-cutter women’s fiction. It’s a scrappy, rough-around-the-edges drama that’s part redemption, part cautionary tale set in a dystopian future, and features often sweet interpersonal relationships. I liked the central heroine, Karys, and the positive effect she had on everyone around her.
It’s a politically charged story. To be honest, the whole thing comes across as a kind of liberal fantasy, where the heroine gets to play martyr for a righteous cause, minorities are oppressed by a white supremacist European government (that bullies other nations), and criminals are misunderstood victims. Fortunately, the characters are three-dimensional, with flaws as well as virtues, and their interactions mostly ring true. The messy relationships are believable and I genuinely didn’t know where the narrative was going to go in the second half.
The writing is solid and easy to read. I did get a couple of the supporting female characters mixed up several times; some of the transitions and time jumps weren’t as clear as they could have been. And the clunky structure gave the story itself an odd shape, resulting in the mystery element receiving relatively short shrift. I liked the idea of the narrative bridging continents, and the gradual drawing together of estranged mother and son worked well for me.
It’s a difficult book to describe. Readers will know quite early on whether they’re going to enjoy it or not. I did, for the most part, and those elements I had misgivings about might be my own personal taste. It’s certainly offbeat and has character; both are things to be encouraged. I recommend giving it a whirl if you’re in the mood for something different.
April 23, 2026
"Protest" is a fictional story set in two fictional countries, one in Europe and one in Africa, spanning the present day and the immediate future. I appreciated how the author captured the essence of these two fictional nations, making the reader feel truly immersed and as if they were experiencing the settings firsthand. This suggests a deep level of research or personal experience by the author. For example, in Africa, the descriptions of the environment - the mopani trees, weaverbirds building nests, cooing doves, and the intense afternoon heat - truly evoke the feeling of the continent. Excellent work on that!
Furthermore, these descriptions were not sparse; they were detailed enough to allow the reader to feel a part of the depicted areas. The story itself is well-written and quite enjoyable, with engaging dialogue that includes elements of humour. I personally would have appreciated more descriptions of characters' emotions through their dialogue or body language - this is merely a suggestion for added depth to an already good book. I understand that such details might have been omitted to maintain narrative pacing, but they would have been a wonderful addition.
The story carries an educational message that resonates strongly with current global events. Many countries, especially in the developing world, see protests - even peaceful ones - leading to imprisonment and trials without due process. We see instances of human rights activists facing such traumas worldwide. In this narrative, an elderly woman is unjustly jailed simply for protesting.
I enjoyed the portrayal of Dr. Carys Kuta's character, highlighting her resilience during this difficult period. Imprisoned merely for demonstrating against the country's military adventurism. Cary’s character and experiences were effectively conveyed by the author.
Regarding areas for improvement, the book would benefit from some editing, including ensuring consistency in formatting. Nevertheless, it was a good read.
Furthermore, these descriptions were not sparse; they were detailed enough to allow the reader to feel a part of the depicted areas. The story itself is well-written and quite enjoyable, with engaging dialogue that includes elements of humour. I personally would have appreciated more descriptions of characters' emotions through their dialogue or body language - this is merely a suggestion for added depth to an already good book. I understand that such details might have been omitted to maintain narrative pacing, but they would have been a wonderful addition.
The story carries an educational message that resonates strongly with current global events. Many countries, especially in the developing world, see protests - even peaceful ones - leading to imprisonment and trials without due process. We see instances of human rights activists facing such traumas worldwide. In this narrative, an elderly woman is unjustly jailed simply for protesting.
I enjoyed the portrayal of Dr. Carys Kuta's character, highlighting her resilience during this difficult period. Imprisoned merely for demonstrating against the country's military adventurism. Cary’s character and experiences were effectively conveyed by the author.
Regarding areas for improvement, the book would benefit from some editing, including ensuring consistency in formatting. Nevertheless, it was a good read.
June 30, 2026
Although set in the fictional countries of Anatania and Ruwanze, the inspiration for Protest! could come from any the many scenarios played out on the news every night. Worrying swings towards the far right, racism and anti-migration are ever present in modern politics, and highlighted vividly in this captivating tale by Joan Lewis.
The story is about injustice, prejudice and the currently dangerous trends in global politics. But that’s the wider story. This is also a tale of personal struggle, injustice and the fight against a corrupt system.
The story starts with Bryn, a journalist from Ruwanze in Africa, trying to get a visa to enter Anatania, the European country which formally colonised Ruwanze. Bryn’s mother lives in Anatonia and she’s ill. If he doesn’t get his visa, he may never see her again. Then we step back in time a few years to meet Carys, Bryn’s mother. A white Anatonian, she married a black musician from Ruwanze and moved there to live. The marriage didn’t work out, and Carys relocated to Anatonia, but she remains a strong advocate for Ruwanze and the rights of its citizens. This includes joining a protest against the increasingly strict Anatonian immigration laws, and national wave of anti-Ruwanze racism.
Thus we are treated to the story of Carys’ incarceration for disturbing the peace, and meet a colourful cast of female inmates with their own fascinating backstories. I must say, this was my favourite section of the book. It’s written with humour and pathos as well as highlighting the class discrimination, racism and social shortfalls that have lead each inmates into conflict with the law.
And far from being a harbinger of doom, the final message in this book is one of hope. Things can change, stereotypes can be broken and not everyone is inherently bad.
This book was the first I’ve read by Joan Lewis and was a fortuitous find. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves a good family drama with a healthy slice of politics thrown in.
The story is about injustice, prejudice and the currently dangerous trends in global politics. But that’s the wider story. This is also a tale of personal struggle, injustice and the fight against a corrupt system.
The story starts with Bryn, a journalist from Ruwanze in Africa, trying to get a visa to enter Anatania, the European country which formally colonised Ruwanze. Bryn’s mother lives in Anatonia and she’s ill. If he doesn’t get his visa, he may never see her again. Then we step back in time a few years to meet Carys, Bryn’s mother. A white Anatonian, she married a black musician from Ruwanze and moved there to live. The marriage didn’t work out, and Carys relocated to Anatonia, but she remains a strong advocate for Ruwanze and the rights of its citizens. This includes joining a protest against the increasingly strict Anatonian immigration laws, and national wave of anti-Ruwanze racism.
Thus we are treated to the story of Carys’ incarceration for disturbing the peace, and meet a colourful cast of female inmates with their own fascinating backstories. I must say, this was my favourite section of the book. It’s written with humour and pathos as well as highlighting the class discrimination, racism and social shortfalls that have lead each inmates into conflict with the law.
And far from being a harbinger of doom, the final message in this book is one of hope. Things can change, stereotypes can be broken and not everyone is inherently bad.
This book was the first I’ve read by Joan Lewis and was a fortuitous find. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves a good family drama with a healthy slice of politics thrown in.
May 25, 2026
A teaser prologue immediately raises questions and arouses the reader’s curiosity, after which it’s hard to put this book down.
The plot has been adequately described in the blurb and other reviews. Suffice here to say that Joan Lewis’s Protest! is well crafted and pacy and that it has an original premise, a cast of varied, interesting and convincingly sketched characters, and a vivid sense of place (well, several places really — in the two countries involved, namely Anatania, a small European nation, and Ruwanze, Anatonia's former colony in Central Africa, now independent and thriving, and in the smaller scale settings where the plot points play out).
The dramatic first chapter describes a protest in Anatania against its ever more chillingly right-leaning government, and in particular the government’s supply of arms to fuel a conflict in West Africa. The viewer of the newsreel is Bryn, a journalist in Ruwanze, who is startled to see his own mother Carys, then aged 72, being dragged away by police officers (not a spoiler as this becomes clear very early on). As the narrative unfolds, we see Carys being remanded into custody where, in some of the most compelling scenes in the book, we follow her interactions with other women prisoners.
Throughout the book, the scenarios, from the bleak and seemingly hopeless to the joyous and colourful, are vividly described. The story unfolds at a good pace and the reader — at least this one — is rapidly invested with the main characters and their complex interrelationships. There is a neat subplot which is cleverly interwoven with the main events, and the resolution is satisfying.
A five-star read except that a careful line edit is needed: it’s hard to do a book justice when the flow of reading is repeatedly tripped by typos and formatting inconsistencies. Doubtless these will be soon fixed; in the meantime, read it for the story and the characters!
The plot has been adequately described in the blurb and other reviews. Suffice here to say that Joan Lewis’s Protest! is well crafted and pacy and that it has an original premise, a cast of varied, interesting and convincingly sketched characters, and a vivid sense of place (well, several places really — in the two countries involved, namely Anatania, a small European nation, and Ruwanze, Anatonia's former colony in Central Africa, now independent and thriving, and in the smaller scale settings where the plot points play out).
The dramatic first chapter describes a protest in Anatania against its ever more chillingly right-leaning government, and in particular the government’s supply of arms to fuel a conflict in West Africa. The viewer of the newsreel is Bryn, a journalist in Ruwanze, who is startled to see his own mother Carys, then aged 72, being dragged away by police officers (not a spoiler as this becomes clear very early on). As the narrative unfolds, we see Carys being remanded into custody where, in some of the most compelling scenes in the book, we follow her interactions with other women prisoners.
Throughout the book, the scenarios, from the bleak and seemingly hopeless to the joyous and colourful, are vividly described. The story unfolds at a good pace and the reader — at least this one — is rapidly invested with the main characters and their complex interrelationships. There is a neat subplot which is cleverly interwoven with the main events, and the resolution is satisfying.
A five-star read except that a careful line edit is needed: it’s hard to do a book justice when the flow of reading is repeatedly tripped by typos and formatting inconsistencies. Doubtless these will be soon fixed; in the meantime, read it for the story and the characters!
June 13, 2026
A human and political saga for today’s times
Joan Lewis sets her story in a fictional country, Anatania. But that country and the forces at work there could be a mirror for so many countries today. And in the middle of the turbulence swirling all around, is a moving personal story. It starts with Bryn, a successful journalist working in Ruwanze, Anatania’s former colony, trying to enter Anatania to meet his mother, who’s in hospital. The tension in the atmosphere is built right from the start, with the struggles Bryn faces at the border. Today we see the “othering” of people that is happening everywhere, especially those classified as migrants. Bryn sees this wave sweeping through Anatania. This is a story as much of Bryn’s journey, as that of his feisty 72-year old mother, Carys. The book shows how polarising ideologies practised by the powerful, translate into disruptive weapons in the hands of the wider populace. How intolerance gets ingrained in society. How families and relationships can get impacted by all that goes around. It is chilling, at moments, but also optimistic in its final message. The journeys of Carys and Bryn show that the spark of protest can perhaps outlive the stamp-out of divisive authoritarianism. It is heartwarming how Bryn manages to overcome challenges, seed change, and how he receives companionship and support from Debs, the young doctor. Politics is never far from family in this tale. The story suggests that the “roots and tendrils of family connections” can remain strong, even if the members are on different sides of the political spectrum. At the same time, it depicts how the dynamics of all relationships, be it sibling bonds, or romantic equations, or the mother-son connection - how they all get whirled around with the winds of political maelstrom.
Joan Lewis sets her story in a fictional country, Anatania. But that country and the forces at work there could be a mirror for so many countries today. And in the middle of the turbulence swirling all around, is a moving personal story. It starts with Bryn, a successful journalist working in Ruwanze, Anatania’s former colony, trying to enter Anatania to meet his mother, who’s in hospital. The tension in the atmosphere is built right from the start, with the struggles Bryn faces at the border. Today we see the “othering” of people that is happening everywhere, especially those classified as migrants. Bryn sees this wave sweeping through Anatania. This is a story as much of Bryn’s journey, as that of his feisty 72-year old mother, Carys. The book shows how polarising ideologies practised by the powerful, translate into disruptive weapons in the hands of the wider populace. How intolerance gets ingrained in society. How families and relationships can get impacted by all that goes around. It is chilling, at moments, but also optimistic in its final message. The journeys of Carys and Bryn show that the spark of protest can perhaps outlive the stamp-out of divisive authoritarianism. It is heartwarming how Bryn manages to overcome challenges, seed change, and how he receives companionship and support from Debs, the young doctor. Politics is never far from family in this tale. The story suggests that the “roots and tendrils of family connections” can remain strong, even if the members are on different sides of the political spectrum. At the same time, it depicts how the dynamics of all relationships, be it sibling bonds, or romantic equations, or the mother-son connection - how they all get whirled around with the winds of political maelstrom.
April 21, 2026
Thought-provoking contemporary novel hooked me immediately
This is the third book I've read by Joan Lewis, and I found it quite engrossing. From the first page of the prologue I was pulled in, and the storyline and characters gave me plenty to think about. What I most appreciated was the way the plot unravelled, teasing the reader with little hints and clues to back stories and motives not immediately apparent. The story is set in the present day and immediate future in the fictional European country of Anatania, as well as its former African colony of Ruwanze, now independent. The underlying themes of racial discrimination, immigration and political conspiracy feel quite prescient, and they're woven deftly into this timeless story of family bonds, unlikely friendships, loyalty and deception.
The writing is easy to read and engaging, especially in the early scenes set in a women's prison, where the author employed jokey humour to give a lift to the difficult back stories of some of the inmates. The arrival of seventy-two-year-old retired doctor, Carys Kuta, caused quite a stir there and I enjoyed those scenes immensely. I found the dialogue and characterisation a strength of the writing, with a diverse cast of plausible characters that I found it easy to empathise with. The story moved along at a good pace with plenty of twists to keep me turning the pages, all the way to the satisfying conclusion. If it wasn't for a number of proofreading and formatting issues I would have rated this book 5 stars. There's no sex or violence and only occasional mild swearing in this story, but it is thought-provoking. If you enjoy a contemporary story about fictional people living in disturbing times, not dissimilar to our own, 'Protest' is a book worth your time.
This is the third book I've read by Joan Lewis, and I found it quite engrossing. From the first page of the prologue I was pulled in, and the storyline and characters gave me plenty to think about. What I most appreciated was the way the plot unravelled, teasing the reader with little hints and clues to back stories and motives not immediately apparent. The story is set in the present day and immediate future in the fictional European country of Anatania, as well as its former African colony of Ruwanze, now independent. The underlying themes of racial discrimination, immigration and political conspiracy feel quite prescient, and they're woven deftly into this timeless story of family bonds, unlikely friendships, loyalty and deception.
The writing is easy to read and engaging, especially in the early scenes set in a women's prison, where the author employed jokey humour to give a lift to the difficult back stories of some of the inmates. The arrival of seventy-two-year-old retired doctor, Carys Kuta, caused quite a stir there and I enjoyed those scenes immensely. I found the dialogue and characterisation a strength of the writing, with a diverse cast of plausible characters that I found it easy to empathise with. The story moved along at a good pace with plenty of twists to keep me turning the pages, all the way to the satisfying conclusion. If it wasn't for a number of proofreading and formatting issues I would have rated this book 5 stars. There's no sex or violence and only occasional mild swearing in this story, but it is thought-provoking. If you enjoy a contemporary story about fictional people living in disturbing times, not dissimilar to our own, 'Protest' is a book worth your time.
April 19, 2026
Reading Protest! left me with a sense of energy and reflection. The story captures the essence of human connection when life becomes unpredictable. I felt a deep bond with Carys and her resilience. Her perspective brings a level of wisdom that grounds the more chaotic moments of the book. Watching her navigate the challenges of her situation made me consider the strength found in older generations. The narrative balance kept me focused on the page for hours. I experienced a mix of tension and hope as the various characters crossed paths. Their interactions felt genuine and reminded me of the importance of community. The author builds a world that feels immediate and lived in. Every chapter added a new layer of emotion that stayed with me long after I closed the cover.
The relationships in the book are the true heart of the experience. I loved how the author portrayed the shift in family loyalties and the formation of new bonds under pressure. These connections felt like an anchor in a storm. My mood shifted from concern to excitement as the story reached its peak. The surprise ending provided a sense of closure that felt earned rather than forced. I walked away from the final page feeling inspired by the spirit of the characters. This book is a reminder that people can find common ground and support one another in difficult times. It is a work that values the human heart and the ties that bind us together. I will recommend this to anyone who appreciates a story about grit and friendship.
The relationships in the book are the true heart of the experience. I loved how the author portrayed the shift in family loyalties and the formation of new bonds under pressure. These connections felt like an anchor in a storm. My mood shifted from concern to excitement as the story reached its peak. The surprise ending provided a sense of closure that felt earned rather than forced. I walked away from the final page feeling inspired by the spirit of the characters. This book is a reminder that people can find common ground and support one another in difficult times. It is a work that values the human heart and the ties that bind us together. I will recommend this to anyone who appreciates a story about grit and friendship.
April 29, 2026
This was a little distraction what i generally read. From the moment I started Protest!, I felt a strong mix of momentum and introspection. The story captures the power of human connection when circumstances become uncertain. I was particularly drawn to Carys and her quiet resilience. Her perspective brings a sense of wisdom that steadies the more chaotic moments in the narrative. Following her journey made me reflect on the strength often found in older generations. The storytelling flows smoothly, keeping me engaged for long stretches, while the crossing paths of different characters created a blend of tension and hope. Their interactions felt natural and served as a reminder of how important community can be. The setting feels vivid and real, and each chapter adds another layer of emotion that lingers even after finishing the book.
At its core, the novel shines through its relationships. The way shifting family dynamics and new connections are portrayed under pressure is particularly compelling. These bonds act as a source of stability amid uncertainty. As the story builds, my emotions moved from worry to anticipation, leading up to a strong and satisfying conclusion. The ending felt well-deserved and meaningful. I finished the book feeling uplifted by the characters’ spirit and sense of unity. It’s a powerful reminder of how people can come together and support each other through difficult moments. I would gladly recommend it to anyone who values stories centered on resilience and meaningful relationships.
At its core, the novel shines through its relationships. The way shifting family dynamics and new connections are portrayed under pressure is particularly compelling. These bonds act as a source of stability amid uncertainty. As the story builds, my emotions moved from worry to anticipation, leading up to a strong and satisfying conclusion. The ending felt well-deserved and meaningful. I finished the book feeling uplifted by the characters’ spirit and sense of unity. It’s a powerful reminder of how people can come together and support each other through difficult moments. I would gladly recommend it to anyone who values stories centered on resilience and meaningful relationships.
May 5, 2026
I loved reading this book.
We quickly dive into a scene where the seventy-two year old Carys is unceremoniously dragged into a police van for no particular reason – an uncomfortable reminder of what has been taking place in Russia over the past few years and more recently in the US itself. In spite of the shock of brutal confinement, the author brings to life Carys’s empathy with her new found inmates. The development of her relationship with Debs inspiring her to study to eventually become a doctor is well written. I loved the way the inmates, coming from a variety of unsavoury backgrounds, gradually begin to admire and respect Carys – and Carys in turn is able to turn around their lives.
I liked the way Carys helped to maintain her sanity by admiring the view of the clouds beyond the prison bars and the winter trees. Even her study of the orb-weaver spider and the magpies.
The second part of the book moves forward in time with her estranged son finally striving to make contact with his mother. As foreshadowed earlier, this lays the ground for Bryn’s realisation that his boss has a dark secret, that may finally signal the end of the fascist regime in Anatania – if only it could be this easy in real life.
The author has dealt sensitively with the many real life issues of today – repression of minorities, the growing authoritarianism and drug addiction, and weaved them into a heart warming story.
We quickly dive into a scene where the seventy-two year old Carys is unceremoniously dragged into a police van for no particular reason – an uncomfortable reminder of what has been taking place in Russia over the past few years and more recently in the US itself. In spite of the shock of brutal confinement, the author brings to life Carys’s empathy with her new found inmates. The development of her relationship with Debs inspiring her to study to eventually become a doctor is well written. I loved the way the inmates, coming from a variety of unsavoury backgrounds, gradually begin to admire and respect Carys – and Carys in turn is able to turn around their lives.
I liked the way Carys helped to maintain her sanity by admiring the view of the clouds beyond the prison bars and the winter trees. Even her study of the orb-weaver spider and the magpies.
The second part of the book moves forward in time with her estranged son finally striving to make contact with his mother. As foreshadowed earlier, this lays the ground for Bryn’s realisation that his boss has a dark secret, that may finally signal the end of the fascist regime in Anatania – if only it could be this easy in real life.
The author has dealt sensitively with the many real life issues of today – repression of minorities, the growing authoritarianism and drug addiction, and weaved them into a heart warming story.
May 15, 2026
Protest! by Joan Lewis is a thoughtful, timely and surprisingly warm novel about frightening political times, personal courage, and the odd places where human kindness manages to survive. The story centres on Carys, a seventy-two-year-old retired doctor who is arrested after attending a peaceful protest. The image of an elderly woman being dragged away for holding a cardboard sign is both shocking and uncomfortably believable, which gives the book much of its power.
Carys is easily the strongest part of the novel. Her resilience, intelligence and quiet compassion make her a lovely character to follow, especially during the prison scenes, where her relationships with the other women become the emotional heart of the story. These friendships bring humour and humanity to what could otherwise have been a very bleak read.
The wider political plot, involving her estranged son Bryn, corruption, racial tension and authoritarian control, is interesting and often gripping, though at times it feels a little less fully developed than Carys’s storyline. There are also a few proofreading and formatting issues, and some scene transitions could have been smoother.
Even so, this is an engaging, compassionate and relevant novel with memorable characters, strong themes, and plenty to think about. A few rough edges, yes, but definitely worth reading.
Carys is easily the strongest part of the novel. Her resilience, intelligence and quiet compassion make her a lovely character to follow, especially during the prison scenes, where her relationships with the other women become the emotional heart of the story. These friendships bring humour and humanity to what could otherwise have been a very bleak read.
The wider political plot, involving her estranged son Bryn, corruption, racial tension and authoritarian control, is interesting and often gripping, though at times it feels a little less fully developed than Carys’s storyline. There are also a few proofreading and formatting issues, and some scene transitions could have been smoother.
Even so, this is an engaging, compassionate and relevant novel with memorable characters, strong themes, and plenty to think about. A few rough edges, yes, but definitely worth reading.
June 27, 2026
Joan Lewis’ Protest! is the story of a woman facing the deterioration of her society. And while the book does take place in a dystopian present, it is not an action-packed thriller where some square-jawed hero saves the world from a Bond villain. No. This is a book about people making the best they can out of the world they are forced to live within. It is an emotional kaleidoscope of the many different impulses shaping ordinary people trying to make do while making sense of their crumbling society.
One elderly person, Carys, protests against authoritarianism and war, only to find herself locked up in prison. There she meets a motley collection of criminals, who, more often than not, are as much victims of circumstance as they are criminals. Many bonds are formed in this unlikely place, and, most importantly, Carys makes one gesture which appears to fail, but in fact bears fruit in a kind of triumph which later feeds the final note of hope we get to enjoy in Protest!
My first measure of a story is simple: did I want to keep reading? Did the plot, or the disposition of the characters, or the power of the author’s use of language... did something lure me back to the page after I had put the story down? A simple measure, but also, to myself at least, the most important. And I must protest, Protest! Is such a book.
I highly recommend.
One elderly person, Carys, protests against authoritarianism and war, only to find herself locked up in prison. There she meets a motley collection of criminals, who, more often than not, are as much victims of circumstance as they are criminals. Many bonds are formed in this unlikely place, and, most importantly, Carys makes one gesture which appears to fail, but in fact bears fruit in a kind of triumph which later feeds the final note of hope we get to enjoy in Protest!
My first measure of a story is simple: did I want to keep reading? Did the plot, or the disposition of the characters, or the power of the author’s use of language... did something lure me back to the page after I had put the story down? A simple measure, but also, to myself at least, the most important. And I must protest, Protest! Is such a book.
I highly recommend.
May 16, 2026
When I saw Protest!, I knew I had to read it. As someone who enjoys political stories, I was intrigued by the premise—even though it’s not a thriller in the traditional sense. Joan Lewis delivers a plausible and engaging narrative set in a Northern European country sliding into dictatorship and its former African colony, now a democracy. The contrast between these worlds is thought-provoking and forms the backbone of the story.
The protagonist, retired doctor Carys Kuta, is arrested for attending a protest in her increasingly authoritarian home country. Her son, meanwhile, lives in the former colony, now a modern, democratic state. Lewis weaves their stories together in a way that feels both personal and politically urgent. The characters—Carys, her fellow inmates, and her son—are all well-developed and relatable, and their struggles feel real. The pacing improves as the story progresses, especially after Carys’s release from prison.
What I appreciate most is how Protest! tackles themes of intolerance, racism, and liberal values without being preachy. The fictional setting feels painfully real, like something that could unfold in today’s world. It’s a bold, engaging read that stands out from the crowd. Five stars, because it’s one of the best books I’ve read in a while.
The protagonist, retired doctor Carys Kuta, is arrested for attending a protest in her increasingly authoritarian home country. Her son, meanwhile, lives in the former colony, now a modern, democratic state. Lewis weaves their stories together in a way that feels both personal and politically urgent. The characters—Carys, her fellow inmates, and her son—are all well-developed and relatable, and their struggles feel real. The pacing improves as the story progresses, especially after Carys’s release from prison.
What I appreciate most is how Protest! tackles themes of intolerance, racism, and liberal values without being preachy. The fictional setting feels painfully real, like something that could unfold in today’s world. It’s a bold, engaging read that stands out from the crowd. Five stars, because it’s one of the best books I’ve read in a while.
April 22, 2026
I realised after I’d finished Protest! that it’s actually the second Joan Lewis book I’ve read and while it is certainly different from The Scent of Wild Garlic I think it expands her cannon in a nice way. The thing I enjoyed most about this book was the character of Carys. I thought it was ballsy and impressive that she was arrested at a protest at age 72 and I really liked following her journey beyond that. While I wasn’t always convinced that the events that took place in the novel were likely they always felt possible which I believe is quite a feet especially considering this novel establishes an entire fictional country in a way that feels very credible. I didn’t connect as much with the character of Bryn but I want to commend Joan on her brave choice to write about a racial experience that (assumption) is not her own. Some people would have a problem with this, but I believe it enriches both the world and our own empathy when we try and write from the experience of characters who we can’t fully share. There’s only so many times you can write exclusively what you know after all.
June 16, 2026
Joan Lewis’s Protest! is an engaging novel about courage, political injustice, family estrangement and human connection. It follows Carys Kuta, a seventy-two-year-old retired doctor arrested after a peaceful protest, opening into a wider story of imprisonment, corruption, racial tension and reconciliation.
Carys is the heart of the book: strong, sympathetic and memorable. The prison scenes are especially moving, showing how friendship, humor and kindness can survive in frightening circumstances. I also enjoyed the storyline involving her estranged son, Bryn, whose journalism connects the family drama with larger political themes.
The book moves at a good pace and raises important issues, including authoritarianism, racism, immigration, protest and personal responsibility. Rather than a simple political thriller, it is a character-driven story about ordinary people trying to do the right thing.
Overall, Protest! is thoughtful, humane and timely, with a memorable central character and strong emotional core. It is not flawless, but it is original, engaging and worthwhile. I recommend it to readers who enjoy contemporary fiction with political themes, family drama and resilience
Carys is the heart of the book: strong, sympathetic and memorable. The prison scenes are especially moving, showing how friendship, humor and kindness can survive in frightening circumstances. I also enjoyed the storyline involving her estranged son, Bryn, whose journalism connects the family drama with larger political themes.
The book moves at a good pace and raises important issues, including authoritarianism, racism, immigration, protest and personal responsibility. Rather than a simple political thriller, it is a character-driven story about ordinary people trying to do the right thing.
Overall, Protest! is thoughtful, humane and timely, with a memorable central character and strong emotional core. It is not flawless, but it is original, engaging and worthwhile. I recommend it to readers who enjoy contemporary fiction with political themes, family drama and resilience
May 17, 2026
I almost gave up during the opening chapters because the writing can get very overdescriptive at times, but I’m glad I stuck with it because the prison sections ended up being the strongest part of the book for me.
Carys is a really interesting main character. She’s stubborn, lonely and idealistic without feeling unrealistically heroic, and some of the relationships she develops in prison were genuinely touching. I also liked that the story focused more on people trying to hold onto their humanity than on turning into some big rebellion thriller.
You can tell the author has a strong message she wants to get across, and I did appreciate the sincerity behind it. I think the author is probably more comfortable writing the smaller personal moments than the bigger political speeches honestly but those quieter prison scenes were the bits I ended up caring about most.
Still, I kept wanting to go back to it, mainly because I became invested in the characters and wanted to see where they ended up.
Carys is a really interesting main character. She’s stubborn, lonely and idealistic without feeling unrealistically heroic, and some of the relationships she develops in prison were genuinely touching. I also liked that the story focused more on people trying to hold onto their humanity than on turning into some big rebellion thriller.
You can tell the author has a strong message she wants to get across, and I did appreciate the sincerity behind it. I think the author is probably more comfortable writing the smaller personal moments than the bigger political speeches honestly but those quieter prison scenes were the bits I ended up caring about most.
Still, I kept wanting to go back to it, mainly because I became invested in the characters and wanted to see where they ended up.
May 22, 2026
I thought Protest! was a good little story and it held my attention. I worked through it in stages and over several days.
I was impressed with the imagination shown in constructing the two mythical countries that were the main settings for the story. One in Europe and one in Africa, their non-specific descriptions allow the reader to paint pictures in their own minds as to the type of society that exists in each. With the African country being the primary setting, where the ‘Protest’ is centred, it was easy to get the feeling of what living there would have been like. With a corrupt authoritarian regime in charge and ordinary people suffering if they stood against it, it all felt quite relevant to today’s world.
The characters are powerful. Fragmented families patch things up and unlikely friendships form. With plenty of sudden and expected twists and turns, it provokes thought as to how we’re still at the stage where such regimes exist and keep getting away with it.
I was impressed with the imagination shown in constructing the two mythical countries that were the main settings for the story. One in Europe and one in Africa, their non-specific descriptions allow the reader to paint pictures in their own minds as to the type of society that exists in each. With the African country being the primary setting, where the ‘Protest’ is centred, it was easy to get the feeling of what living there would have been like. With a corrupt authoritarian regime in charge and ordinary people suffering if they stood against it, it all felt quite relevant to today’s world.
The characters are powerful. Fragmented families patch things up and unlikely friendships form. With plenty of sudden and expected twists and turns, it provokes thought as to how we’re still at the stage where such regimes exist and keep getting away with it.
June 20, 2026
"Protest" is an interesting novel set in a fictional country called Anatania in Europe. Set in the near future, it centers on the family of a seventy-two year old retired doctor named Carys Kuta and her estranged son, Bryn, a journalist in an African country. Carys is divorced from her famous musician husband and father of her children and now living in Anatania which has been taken over by a fascist government. Carys is thrown into prison for protesting the government and there bonds with several of the other women inmates. Her son, who is black, travels to Anatania when Carys has a stroke, only to find that blacks are no longer welcome.
The novel combines numerous themes from politics, injustice, bigotry, overcoming life's challenges, and family reunification.
I felt it could use a professional editing to address the frequent and confusing point of view changes as well as punctuation errors.
The novel combines numerous themes from politics, injustice, bigotry, overcoming life's challenges, and family reunification.
I felt it could use a professional editing to address the frequent and confusing point of view changes as well as punctuation errors.
June 22, 2026
Protest! is about race relations and the closing of equity and growing oppression of black people in the fictional country. But when you widen the lack of tolerance of others to immigrants, this story rings true in many countries, including America. The story opens with journalist Bryn seeing his elderly mother in a protest in his home country. The middle part of the story focuses on the mother Carys.
The story kept me reading and at times reflecting on the state of the world. The author did a nice job of alternating between the story of a mother and her son and larger drama of a world in turmoil.
When I read, I just want a good story. Yet I did enjoy that the hero of the story is not your typical heroine. She is a senior citizen that is realistic but a force for good in the world. I expected the story to focus on Bryn working to free his mother, but this was a non-traditional story. A realistic one where the heroics are about human perseverance.
The story kept me reading and at times reflecting on the state of the world. The author did a nice job of alternating between the story of a mother and her son and larger drama of a world in turmoil.
When I read, I just want a good story. Yet I did enjoy that the hero of the story is not your typical heroine. She is a senior citizen that is realistic but a force for good in the world. I expected the story to focus on Bryn working to free his mother, but this was a non-traditional story. A realistic one where the heroics are about human perseverance.
June 24, 2026
Engaging and emotional story
This was an engaging read with a strong cast of characters and some thought-provoking themes. I was particularly drawn to Carys and the prison sections, which were easily the most compelling part of the novel. The relationships she develops there felt authentic and gave the story its emotional core.
The plot moves along at a good pace, with enough twists and mysteries to keep me invested, and the fictional political setting felt believable without overwhelming the characters.
My only reason for giving it four stars instead of five is that the writing occasionally becomes overdescriptive, and some of the political messaging felt a little heavy-handed. I found the quieter, character-driven moments much stronger than the larger political discussions.
Overall, a worthwhile read with memorable characters and a satisfying conclusion.
This was an engaging read with a strong cast of characters and some thought-provoking themes. I was particularly drawn to Carys and the prison sections, which were easily the most compelling part of the novel. The relationships she develops there felt authentic and gave the story its emotional core.
The plot moves along at a good pace, with enough twists and mysteries to keep me invested, and the fictional political setting felt believable without overwhelming the characters.
My only reason for giving it four stars instead of five is that the writing occasionally becomes overdescriptive, and some of the political messaging felt a little heavy-handed. I found the quieter, character-driven moments much stronger than the larger political discussions.
Overall, a worthwhile read with memorable characters and a satisfying conclusion.
June 28, 2026
This was an engaging read, with plenty of pace. The book’s main protoganist, Carys Kuta gives the novel its emotional depth, which keeps the reader invested, as the book denounces fascism and discrimination, in a plot that bounces between continents.
Carys is testament to the fact that you should never be truly retired. Her resilience resonates with those she encounters in prison. The prison scenes had the potential to be unrealistic. However, the author has done a good job of crafting credible relationships. Perhaps the main themes could have been delivered with a little more subtlety and the novel contains a few grammatical errors. I was leaning towards four stars (alas you can’t do four-and-a-half), but the book’s unconventional 72-year old heroine, ultimately, in my view, warranted a five star rating.
Carys is testament to the fact that you should never be truly retired. Her resilience resonates with those she encounters in prison. The prison scenes had the potential to be unrealistic. However, the author has done a good job of crafting credible relationships. Perhaps the main themes could have been delivered with a little more subtlety and the novel contains a few grammatical errors. I was leaning towards four stars (alas you can’t do four-and-a-half), but the book’s unconventional 72-year old heroine, ultimately, in my view, warranted a five star rating.
July 15, 2026
“Protest!” by Joan Lewis is a complex story of human life in modern times told in a straightforward manner that makes it accessible to adult and young adult readers alike.
I feel this book is most appropriate for young adult readers, as the story is easy to read and is full of very real modern issues. Our writer uses basic vocabulary and clear sentence structure but allows the storyline to jump around a bit, requiring the reader to be alert.
We follow Carys Kuta, a retired doctor and lifelong social activist who finds herself in jail at age seventy-two after joining her first protest in years. In prison, Carys remembers her past, makes new friends, and continues her efforts to help those in need. The narrative includes love, family, politics, racism, and greed for power.
I feel this book is most appropriate for young adult readers, as the story is easy to read and is full of very real modern issues. Our writer uses basic vocabulary and clear sentence structure but allows the storyline to jump around a bit, requiring the reader to be alert.
We follow Carys Kuta, a retired doctor and lifelong social activist who finds herself in jail at age seventy-two after joining her first protest in years. In prison, Carys remembers her past, makes new friends, and continues her efforts to help those in need. The narrative includes love, family, politics, racism, and greed for power.
July 22, 2026
"A warm story about courage and second chances"
I liked Carys from the start. At seventy-two, she is arrested for joining a protest, yet she keeps her kindness and dignity even in prison. Her friendship with Debs was the part I cared about most. It showed how one person can change another person’s path without grand speeches.
I also liked how Bryn’s work as a journalist became personal when he returned to his mother’s country and faced racism and suspicion. The two invented countries made the story feel close to real events without copying one place directly.
What stayed with me was the idea that protest is not only marching in the street. It can also mean telling the truth, helping someone, and refusing to accept fear as normal. The ending felt hopeful and deserved.
I liked Carys from the start. At seventy-two, she is arrested for joining a protest, yet she keeps her kindness and dignity even in prison. Her friendship with Debs was the part I cared about most. It showed how one person can change another person’s path without grand speeches.
I also liked how Bryn’s work as a journalist became personal when he returned to his mother’s country and faced racism and suspicion. The two invented countries made the story feel close to real events without copying one place directly.
What stayed with me was the idea that protest is not only marching in the street. It can also mean telling the truth, helping someone, and refusing to accept fear as normal. The ending felt hopeful and deserved.
July 22, 2026
This book was heartwarming and inspirational. Carys is a beautiful yet flawed character, making her relatable and very human. So are the friends she meets along the way as she faces prison time for protesting for human rights. I enjoyed the banter, nicknaming, and warming up to each other the women did as they served their sentences. The relationship between Carys "Gran" and Debs "Buzz" and later, the relationship between Carys and her son as they reconciled after years apart were so well done.
Glad to read a book with such a strong message of fighting for the sake of others and making the world a safer place for everyone. Such a timely read too, considering all that's happening in the world.
Glad to read a book with such a strong message of fighting for the sake of others and making the world a safer place for everyone. Such a timely read too, considering all that's happening in the world.
July 16, 2026
A political fable for our times, set in a fictional European state and its African colonial satellite. Could a racist ideology hold sway in the heart of Europe, a place where protest results in imprisonment? The possibility of such a bleak society provides the frighteningly plausible backdrop to this neatly told tale. I enjoyed the characters, and warmed in particular to the seventy-two-year-old Carys, young and idealistic at heart and generous to a fault.
It’s a pity so many typos and formatting irregularities slipped through on the proof read - these errors however don’t really detract too much from the warmth and soul of this story.
It’s a pity so many typos and formatting irregularities slipped through on the proof read - these errors however don’t really detract too much from the warmth and soul of this story.
June 17, 2026
Thought‑provoking novella
Protest is a gripping and timely story that blends a personal family struggle with wider social, political and racial tension. Joan Lewis creates a vivid sense of places and captures the emotional weight of activism, fear and resilience. The characters feel real, and the pacing keeps you turning pages. Some scenes could use a bit more depth, but overall the story's momentum and the characters' vulnerability make it a memorable, worthwhile read.
Protest is a gripping and timely story that blends a personal family struggle with wider social, political and racial tension. Joan Lewis creates a vivid sense of places and captures the emotional weight of activism, fear and resilience. The characters feel real, and the pacing keeps you turning pages. Some scenes could use a bit more depth, but overall the story's momentum and the characters' vulnerability make it a memorable, worthwhile read.
May 22, 2026
I found this book to be so relevant to what is happening today for immigrants to the US. It is a ballsy outlook and one that can give the reader a whole new perspective. Carys is an older protagonist with moral character that is exemplary.
Although it's fiction, this novel is an important part of understanding the political scene in much of the world today for minorities.
Although it's fiction, this novel is an important part of understanding the political scene in much of the world today for minorities.
May 2, 2026
A finely paced plot and psychological realism make for a very engaging read. Deftly woven themes centred on the life of a political activist span two continents and reflect major concerns of our times.
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