This ancient journey retraces the footsteps of the great commander, Shutran as he leads his camel caravans laden with frankincense, myrrh and other merchandise through the fierce Rub al Khali Desert. Sandstorms, heat, lack of water, camel spiders, scorpions and thieves all stand in the way of a safe passage. Written in a time where “an eye for an eye” was the law, Shutran commands the respect of his men through his courage, strength and determination, his understanding of human emotion and his belief and love for one God.
By following Shutran’s journey, we learn about the beginning of international trade and commerce. “The frankincense trade birthed the writing of the alphabet, the development of languages, and the rudimentary beginning of reading and arithmetic followed by laws, taxation, courts and judges, architecture, and irrigation. Land and sea trade routes were also discovered and mapped. Ships were built to carry the merchandise and roads were built all along the caravan routes. Cities grew…..some still thrive today as much as 3000 to 4 000 years later.” D. Gary Young 2010
A novel, a history lesson and an inspiration all rolled into one.
My Rating: 5 / 5
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