The Good Sister

by Christopher Morgan Jones

Morgan Jones' heart-stopping thriller, The Good Sister, sees one father go further than he ever knew possible, to rescue a daughter who doesn't want to be saved.

A missing daughter. A desperate father. A journey to save them both.

Sofia Mounir’s world is not her own. Her mother is sick, her father broken, the London they live in is dying of greed and self-obsession.

So she flees, to Raqqa: heart of the caliphate, foundation stone of a just world that she will help to build. From violence and sacrifice will grow something beautiful, and she will be part of it. Her faith will be equal to everything asked of her.

Until it isn’t. Until it becomes clear that not all her new brothers’ and sisters’ intentions are as pure as her own. Until even her faith becomes a liability.

Where do you turn, when the future you’ve longed for wants you dead?

Genres: Fiction, Thriller

384 pages, Paperback

Published January 24, 2019

About the author

Chris Morgan Jones worked for eleven years at the world’s largest business intelligence agency, and has advised Middle Eastern governments, Russian oligarchs, New York banks, London hedge funds, and African mining companies. The author of The Silent Oligarch and The Jackal’s Share, he lives in London.

Reviews

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abraham is devastated when he finds out that his seventeen year old daughter has traveled to Syria to join in the cause. He embarks on a extremely dangerous journey to find his daughter and bring her home.
I found this thriller to be fast paced and parts had me on the edge of my seat. I found it hard to put down and read it in one day. I will be looking out for more from this author.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unnerving, raw, and impactful.

The Good Sister is an action-packed, harrowing, pensive tale that delves into the unconditional love of a father for his daughter and the heart-wrenching and horrifying struggle of a nation to live, believe and find peace in a landscape rife with oppression, greed, and violence.

The prose is edgy and taut. The characters are complex, tormented, and driven. And the plot told from two different points of view, is a compelling, well-crafted tale about family, faith, conviction, greed, corruption, extremism, instability, fear, danger, abuse, cruelty, and murder.

Overall, The Good Sister is a fast-paced, thought-provoking, haunting novel with an authentic feel that I can’t honestly tell you I won’t soon forget.

Thank you to Publishers Group Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jo_Scho_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A father’s desperate mission to rescue his daughter from the insidious grip of radicalisation.

I wasn’t sure about this book at first - I found the rapid alternate viewpoints between Abraham (the father) and Sofia (the daughter) a little confusing. But boy am I pleased I stuck with it, because I was soon absolutely gripped and raced through the pages with a mounting horror.

The book takes you on a very vivid journey through war torn Syria as Abraham desperately attempts to track down his daughter, despite danger and death being everywhere. And does Sofia even want to be rescued? This book made me aware of how lucky I am; to be a woman in the west, with choice and freedom. A harrowing and brutal, but also incredibly powerful and thought provoking, read.

[༒ Thia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book came in a subscription box months ago and although it didn’t seem like my cup of tea, I thought I’d give it a chance.
The fact it took me 6 months to read shows just how much I struggled to get through it. It only really picks up in the last 75 pages.
I just could not relate to the protagonist at all.

[ʟᴀᴜʀᴇɴ ᴄ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good read, not something I've read before! Only thing is the app shows 288 pages when in fact it has 366

[Philippa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of a 17 year old Muslim girl from London who goes to Syria to join ISIS, and her Christian father’s dangerous attempt to ‘rescue’ her. Reflecting on faith and extremism, it is a raw insight into the horrors of war in Syria. Horrifying and fast paced, told from the points of view of Sofia and Abraham, it’s a gripping read.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got a free copy as a test reader from Jellybooks - and how I'm glad about that!

I have a confession to make, right at the very start of this review - as a person who was brough up in a catholic family, in a very catholic and completely not divers in that topic country (Poland), all my knowledge about Islam in general, and those who practice it on a daily basis, came mostly from TV - news, some documentaries etc. it was not a result of my ignorance, buy more because I simply never knew...
What I'm trying to say though, with that whole introduction, is that as a result of my lack of knowledge in this, my mind was completely "blank" and I didn't have any personal opinions in this topic, when picking up this book.

My choice was made based purely on the genre and the synopsis - it intrigued me, made me curious. Unfortunately, the lack of knowledge meant also, that few beginnig chapters were read along a google page opened next to the book - so I could check the meaning of words and different names that were completely new to me (a note to the publisher for maybe putting some kind of a "list" at the end of the book with explanations... no?)

It's a powerful story, for many reasons - fatherly love for his daughter, and how much he's willing to sacrifice and do to save her. Young girl's pure devotion to religion, and how it can narrow her view and opinion about the surrounding word and people in her life. How religion (being it Catholicism, Islam, or any other) can be used as an explanation and an excuse for cruelty and own, private agendas.
I could go on and on with it now, but one of the most beautiful things you'll probably get from this book (at least what it was for me) - is hope. Hope and assurance that if you're fighting for the "right reasons" (not necessarily having anything to do with ones faith), if you're following your heart and your moral compass, if it's love that's behind your actions - you'll win in the end, your cause is worth it.

It's a fast paced story, with spies, war, betrayal, death, and few Middle Eastern countries in the background. I found the description of Islam religion and culture very thorough, and the many different characters in the book very detailed and complex.
I really enjoyed the "double narration" that takes place here. We're being told the whole story from completely two different points of view, with completely two different meanings. One voice is that of the father, the second one - of the daughter. In between, there's a conversation of two, slightly lost, but both equally determined, young women... Can't write more now, without revealing some big spoilers, so if you'll get a chance - read it!

[Linda Hartley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn't sure when I started this book whether it was going to be good. But I would say probably above average. The authors first book under the name Morgan Jones as previously he had written three or four other books but mainly spy thrillers. With his full name Chris Morgan Jones.
A girl leaves her home and family in London and travels to an Isis controlled war zone thinking she can help. Her father desperate to get her back tries to find and confront her., Wanting to bring her back. Will he succeed? and how long will it be before Soffias ideals change when she is faced with a completely different life and she realizes even if she wanted to, it would be gravely difficult to return home and normality.
Without getting political there must've lots that have been seduced into this life thinking there Muslim faith would be better in the hands of these people and not the Western world they generally live and abide by. Good portrayal, so 3.5 stars

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is well written and compelling. The characters are strong, their motivations clear and believable.

Not knowing anything myself about the religion and the reality of life in a war state, the description of life in Syria is convincing and harrowing. It fits what I hear from the media, but I wouldn’t know if it’s the truth.. so very hard to believe life is so meaningless to them and that women are so completely insignificant.

It is so hard to imagine someone from a totally different life and culture being sucked into the ISIS dogma but easier to understand a lost soul wanting to belong.

Definitely a good read (perhaps not if you want something lighthearted!)

[Mustafa Hussain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author gave an interview on LBC & book described to be in par with Kite Runner & The Fundamentalist.

Don’t think it’s quiet that level. Some of the scenes would conveniently merge. Other scenes were a bit fanciful & unrealistic.

Nevertheless a page turner, well researched on the Islamic religion & a thriller. Gives a useful insight into why people are joining these terrorist group, how misguided they are and what's the harsh reality is of living in a state which is lawless.

Not given a five, because I doubt I would read it again.

[UtBitsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Een dochter die zich aansluit bij IS . Het leven binnen het kalifaat wordt m.i. Goed weergegeven. Een “strijder” zoekt een bruid uit, binnen het half uur ben je “getrouwd “ in de woonkamer. Je mag alleen onder begeleiding naarbuiten en uiteraard gesluierd , welke vrouw kiest daar vrijwillig voor?
Sofia’s vader reist haar achterna en krijgt werk in een deels gebombardeerd ziekenhuis. De “gewone” mensen hebben pas recht op behandeling als de strijders geholpen zijn, ik heb hier geen woorden voor

[Janice Wheeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book as it is vety topical right now. A young disillusioned young girl moves to Raqqa to do what she thinks is good. However she realises what terrible mistake she has made and after reconnecting with her dad who came to Raqqa to save her. They try to escape. Worth a read but not my favourite hook. Does highlight how bad it is for some people to live a normal life although this is a work of fiction.

[Taisia Crudu · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Good Sister” Morgan Jones

Deziluzionată de viața ei din Londra, Sofia, o tînară de 17 ani pleacă în Siria. Acolo ea devine una dintre cele mai fidele luptătoare ale “cauzei comune”...
Devastat de durere, tatăl ei pleacă și el în Siria și e gata să devină un terorist pentru a-și salva fiica...
Dar oare e posibil să salvezi pe cineva care nu dorește să fie salvat?

O carte care m-a ținut cu sufletul la gură și o recomand.

PS Nu sunt sigură dacă este și varianta tradusă în română/rusă.

[Jamad · Rating 2 out of 5]

One and a half rounded up. I had high expectations for this book. James O’Brien rated it up there with The Kite Runner. The premise was interesting, especially in light of recent story of Shamima Begum. The writing, however, for me didn’t live up to the premise. Nit really sure what the issue is but it seems clunky.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read . Of course we all know the devastation this ideology brings . But there seems to be no end to the stupidity. Intelligent people. Well they say intelligence is next to madness! Also just read ‘Educated ‘ and that was about Mormons! Same problems different religion. Can you hear my sigh of resignation 🙄

[sussexmouette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tense thriller

I really enjoyed this book and was swept along both Abraham and Sofia’s stories. Not always an easy subject matter but Morgan Jones evokes border town lawlessness, Abraham’s state of mind and Sofia’s life in Raqqa very well. Recommended

[Jodie Gale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just ok for this one.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, I read it in just one sitting! The characters are written impeccably, the perfect thriller!

[Lamont (Days of French 'n' Swedish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional and thrilling read. I read this in one day, reading along with the audio book sped up significantly. The audiobook is a good performance too.

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very different to the usual books I read. I found the story predictable but enjoyable.

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Niet doorgelezen

[Dave Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

A genuine page-turner. Engaging to the end.

[Nele Taillieu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mooi, realiteit, Syrië, goed geschreven!

[Suzi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh look, Isis was a bad idea. Surprise. Stupid cow.

[Go · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got this recommended from the radio, very insightful

[Hazel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very thought-provoking, interesting and challenging read about a very real and current situation.

Written from the two perspectives of the father and daughter, Sofia and Abraham, makes this book flow extremely well with the pace being good. Both Sofia and Abraham are believable and definitely grow on you as the book progresses; I do admit that I didn't particularly like them at the start but the more their inner-workings are explored, the greater the understanding of their motives which resulted in me becoming fully invested in their stories and completely engrossed in their respective journeys.

The book comes across as pretty authentic ... whether it is or not I would only know if I was in Sofia and Abraham's situation which is highly unlikely .... but I do wonder how and where the author got the information for the book from and how accurate it is because, as I said, it feels pretty authentic.

Thank you to Jellybooks for giving me the opportunity to read something a bit different.

[Nigel Kotani · Rating 3 out of 5]

An idealistic daughter disillusioned with life in the West runs away to Syria to join ISIL and help build the new Caliphate. Her father follows to try and bring her back.

An enjoyable book which explores the nature of faith, the nature of ideology, the nature of parenthood, the nature of humanity and the differences between religious teaching and religious practice. Well-written, it kept me absorbed to the point of being gripped throughout. It has a couple of minor flaws: first, it doesn't contain many surprises and, whilst the minutiae isn't necessarily predictable, the general structure and outcome of the book was fairly predictable; second, it somewhat stretches credulity.

That said, the flaws don't ruin it. After all, Harry Potter is enjoyable despite having zero credibility and despite the reader being pretty confident from the outset that the bad guys aren't going to win. Basically, it's a good story well told, but not that much more beyond.

[Ann Tonks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a big, bold, tough novel with a writer trying to make sense on why a young woman would follow a fundamentalist journey to the dark and hideous world of Islamic State. She is fully formed character even if I'm still bemused by her original choice to leave the UK and travel to the black flag world. On one level, the book's a thriller: will her father rescue her. On the other, it's a fascinating examination of both family dynamics and Islamic fundamentalism.

[Sarah Bargh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the first half of the book hard work, I didn’t relate to or like the characters and found it a struggle to keep reading. I enjoyed the ending of the book and surprised myself at how my perception of the main characters had changed by the end. I enjoyed the style the book was written in, but overall didn’t find it a relaxing read.

[Bernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good insight into how a person can be swept up into a group with fervour and not see it's faults. A missing daughter, a desperate father who goes further than he ever thought possible to rescue his daughter who doesn't want to be saved. This is a page turner that had me despair and hopeful in equal measure.