by Paul HarrisThe Secret Keeper, set in war-torn Sierra Leone, tells the story of one man’s search for the truth in a nation where the rules of civilized society simply don’t apply.
Danny Kellerman, the main character, is based loosely on the author himself who spent time as a journalist covering the civil war in Sierra Leone. I think that may be one reason why the events, setting, characters and story seemed so real. Another reason is that Harris is a good writer. Not everyone can capture in writing their own experiences in such a compelling way. I could write about an event in my life and it would read like 'Dick and Jane.'
This book is fiction and the events that take place are fiction, but they feel like they could have really happened.
Danny receives a letter from his girlfriend of 4 years previous, the one he knew in Sierra Leone. She asks him to return because she is in a great deal of trouble. Somehow the note was waylaid and Danny heard about her death before the note arrived. He is shaken and feels he must return to find answers.
There's an element of mystery as Danny hunts for clues and uncovers bits and pieces of Maria's life. He discovers Maria wasn't the woman he knew. I always like it when the story is peeled back a layer at a time. It adds to the interest and suspense.
I highly recommend The Secret Keeper. It'd be a perfect Father's Day gift. I think most men would love this book. That doesn't mean women won't. There are many reviews for this book written by women, all seem to feel the same as I do - it's a winner. Here are some other reviews you may want to check out:
Maw Books
Peeking Between the Pages
Musings of a Bookish Kitty
My Friend Amy
Only one suggestion: I would love to have had a map of Africa in the front of the book showing where Sierra Leone is and the capital, Freetown, where most of the action takes place. As it was I looked it up on Google Earth. I just need to reaquaint myself with exactly where it was in relation to other nations in Africa.
