The Map of Lost Memories
Kim Fay
Hodder & Stoughton
Set in the mid-1920s, US author Kim Fay's debut novel tells the tale of feisty archaeologist Irene Blum, who, after being shunted aside for a curator's job in a Seattle museum, decides to embark on a treasure hunt in the jungles of Cambodia.
During a stop-off in Shanghai, Blum enlists Simone Merlin, a brilliant but mercurial, opium-addicted adventurer, and Marc Rafferty, a dashing nightclub owner, to help her track down a trove of ancient copper scrolls that promise to reveal the truth behind the collapse of the vast Khmer Empire in the 15th century.
Yes, this storyline does have a familiar ring to it. From Indiana Jones to The Da Vinci Code, thrusting a buttoned-up academic type into a treacherous adventure is about as predictable a set up as there is.
But despite its hackneyed plot and characters, the novel does have some saving graces. Firstly, Fay clearly has an affinity for the region, expertly evoking the exoticism and rumblings of anti-colonial rage of the era.
Secondly, she displays an exhaustive knowledge of the Khmer Dynasty and the architecture of its mysterious temples. If reading this book doesn't impel you to visit Angkor Wat, then nothing will.
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
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Lampedusa: Gateway to Europe
Pietro Bartolo and Lidia Tilotta
Quercus
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The bio
Academics: Phd in strategic management in University of Wales
Number one caps: His best-seller caps are in shades of grey, blue, black and yellow
Reading: Is immersed in books on colours to understand more about the usage of different shades
Sport: Started playing polo two years ago. Helps him relax, plus he enjoys the speed and focus
Cars: Loves exotic cars and currently drives a Bentley Bentayga
Holiday: Favourite travel destinations are London and St Tropez
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A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
Graduated from the American University of Sharjah
She is the eldest of three brothers and two sisters
Has helped solve 15 cases of electric shocks
Enjoys travelling, reading and horse riding
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