The book
Suspense and tense interpersonal dynamics characterize this taut bestselling novel set in the world of international humanitarian aid by Jean-Christophe Rufin, a co-founder of Doctors Without Borders.
The four men who accompany Maud on an aid convoy couldn’t be further from the clichéd idea of humanitarian volunteers. One by one, they reveal the secret wounds that have brought them to this conflict zone and, mile by mile, the true nature of their cargo becomes clear.
Prize-winning author Jean-Christophe Rufin has written a powerful psychological literary thriller that asks vital questions about the role of humanitarian action, bringing to light the most fundamental dilemmas of our age. As a new kind of violence insinuates its way into the heart of Europe, this novel asks whether it is more effective to counter violence with benevolent acts and enlightenment ideals or to take up arms against the enemy.
The author
Jean-Christophe Rufin
Jean-Christophe Rufin is one of the founders of Doctors Without Borders and a former Ambassador of France in Senegal. He has written numerous bestsellers, including The Abyssian, for which he won the Goncourt Prize for a debut novel in 1997. He also won the Goncourt prize in 2001 for Brazil Red.
Reviews
- Jul 18 2017
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— Publishers Weekly - Jun 17 2017
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— Midwest Book Review - May 9 2017
Jean-Christophe Rufin–CHECKPOINT
— Seeing the world through books - Nov 25 2016
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— Kirkus Review