Alasdair Vale

Sand Castles (in Somaliland) Alasdair Vale

Sand Castles (in Somaliland) contains the history of the former British protectorate, traditional Somali tales, the stories of Somalis today, the real-life experiences of the author and the relationship he imagines himself having in the absence of being allowed a girlfriend in the country. This exciting novel is borne out of nine months of living in the challenging warmth of Hargeisa, Somaliland and pays homage to the writing of Richard Burton and Bruce Chatwin. Sand Castles weaves effortlessly between Ancient Egyptian Queens, grave digging in the Sahel, naked statesmen, World War II Medals of Honour and why a Somali will never refuse a date.