Sultan in Palermo, A: A Novel by Tariq Ali
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you think Islam beats out Christianity for brutality, you will think again after reading this historically accurate novel by British-Pakistani historian/novelist Tariq Ali. It takes place around 1150 in Sicily during the period when the Normans had accomplished a “peaceful” takeover of power from the Arabs. But the Vatican politics and thirst for power stopped at no form of inhumanity. Ah, but you already knew that, right? I always appreciate a historical perspective on current events. Ali gives a very nuanced picture — this is no good guy vs. bad guys story. He spices up the plot with a few juicy sex scenes.