Secret of the Sands is a historical novel written by Scottish writer Sara Sheridan.[1][2] The book was first published by HarperCollins in 2011. It is set in 1833 and has themes of colonialism and slavery.[3][4]

Secret of the Sands
Cover of novel Secret of the Sands
AuthorSara Sheridan
LanguageEnglish
GenreHistorical Fiction
Published2011
PublisherHarper Collins Publishers
Publication placeScotland
Media typePaperback, Hardback, e-book
Pages438
ISBN9781847561992

Plot summary

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The novel is set in 1833, during a British naval survey of the coastline of the Arabian Peninsula. An ambitious Lieutenant James Wellstead's plans are thrown into disarray when two of his shipmates, Jones and Jessop, go missing in the desert while gathering intelligence and he has to carry out a daring rescue.

Slavery is still rife throughout Arabia. Zena, a headstrong Abyssinian beauty who was torn from her village, is now being offered for sale as a slave in the market of Muscat. However, her fortunes change when she finds herself in the company of the lieutenant. She must accompany him on his hazardous mission, forced to make big choices, and little knowing the fate that awaits them.

Setting

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Secret of the Sands is set in the historical world of 1833 on the Arabian Peninsula.

References

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  1. ^ Turpin, Adrian (18 April 2011). "Secret of the Sands - review". Financial Times. Retrieved 21 September 2014.
  2. ^ Sara Sheridan (1 March 2011). "Article: Sara Sheridan on how History Informs the Present". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
  3. ^ "Historical Novel Society review".
  4. ^ "Chorley Guardian review".