Ticket to Syria

Book : Ticket to Syria

Author: Shirish Thorat

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

Beneath the clear blue skies of Maldives, a beast slouches towards Syria to be born.
Zahi has led a perfectly normal life until one day she heads out for a family vacation but finds herself in the conflict stricken sands of Syria. Unknowingly signed up for Jihad along with her family, Zahi is now the newest recruit of the Islamic State. In a hostile environment with no support and where a single misplaced word could mean death, she is able to make contact with her brother back home. Thus is set in motion a web of deception, courage and tragedy as she attempts to escape.
Based on the little known and insidious operations of the Islamic State this book is a startling account of how the Islamic State has perfected a cross-country operation that converts thousands to a depraved cause. Taken from real life events, this gritty account describes in horrifying detail not only the very real and very elaborate functioning of the Islamic State but the motivations that operate behind it.
An authentically written portrait of life in the Islam State, this book will force you to tread carefully as it shatters your illusions. Combining research and accurate information with the heady pace of a political intrigue, this is a ticket that you cannot miss out on.
In a world that is rocked by the violence of a rising Islamic fundamentalism, A Ticket to Syria is that disturbing thriller which is actually true.

Review

I received a paperback review copy from Bloomsbury in exchange for an honest review

The story starts off in Maldives ,Dr Sameer learns that his 4 siblings have left to join the Jihadi movement. He is perplexed and ends up contacting Ahmed Idris, whose sister, Zahi is married to one of his brothers, Munsiu . Idris seeks the help of his old friend, whose is known as “The Contact” throughout the book. In the meantime Zahi feels betrayed as  her husband, Munsiu had brought her to Syria under false pretexts. She doesn’t understand why the family has joined the IS, and feels stifled between the watchful eyes. She gets hold of an old Mobile and contacts Idris. From then on starts the rescue plan of  Zahi directed by ” The Contact”. The story switches between Maldives, Syria,UK . We get to know of different associates of “The Contact” who help him throughout the plan. Through of one the conversations of the “The Contact” we learn about the history of IS .

Will the contact be able to rescue Zahi?

Why is everyone hell bent on joining the Jihadi movement?

How did the  Islamic State originate?

Read to find out.

I have read about AL Queda and ISIS in news, I have never understood what prompts the well educated youth to join the Jihadi movement. The book throws light on many of the factors involved. The author has done a lot of research on the history of Islamic State. There are many descriptive parts, but on whole the book is fast paced. The rescue plan formulated by “The Contact” is beautiful in its intricate details. I enjoyed the book