LOOKING FOR THE MAHDI

The tradition of social and political commentary in science fiction is long and illustrious; H.G. Wells, Robert Heinlein, Joe Haldeman, etc. have all made very pronounced political and social editorials in the pages of their novels. Add to that list N. Lee Wood with Looking for the Madhi. Its an old book, but its commentary and story are probably more timely now than when its was written.

The story is of a female journalist in the near-future who is sent back to the Middle East, undercover as a man, purportedly to cover the ascension of a new king and interview him. She's done this before, but it was many years ago. The real reason she's going is to "gift" the new king with his CIA-provided bodyguard - a genetically enhanced, almost human male - which she cannot help but be attracted to despite her better judgment and past experience. What ensues is a very hard look at the regional politics, social structure and US attitudes of the Middle East. All of which is written into an exciting adventure story with some really nifty science fiction aspects. It is so relevant to today's American political agenda that I think it purely and simply ought to be required reading in high school civics classes. Its, underneath the action-adventure aspects, a hard and sometimes uncomplimentary look at Islam and U.S. Federal government actions.

I have two pieces of advice when you read this one; first, be sure and read it, and second, as you read it, try and figure out who the bad guy really is. The answer may surprise you.