The Tyrant's Novel

Won't claim to have read this book as only got about 30 pages in before throwing it aside in indifference. Dull characterization, daft character names, lack of plot development and a slightly self-important style.

Contains one of my least favourite literary devices: "what would it be like if it happened here, gosh, wouldn't it be shocking for all you smug, softy readers and your comfortable lives and how would you feel!?" Of course, the writer always feels less guilt than the rest of us because...well, because he wrote it.

Hence anglicised names for characters and streets. Someday, someone will write about greyhound racing and growing cabbages down your allotment, except it's.... "set in Syria, gosh, how would those Syrians feel about that?!"

Oh, look. I'm the only person with a copy of this on my bookshelf.