Beneath The Diamond Sky

Christopher Wakling

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Kashmir, the Himalayan foothills. Seven westerners on a misguided trekking expedition are taken hostage by separatist militants. Kate Cox and Ethan Hughes, a troubled young English couple, are among their number. At the mercy of hardened ideologues they cannot understand, the captives are pushed into a claustrophobic hell of shifting allegiances, where love and survival seem destined to collide. As the hostages struggle to hold themselves together, so those at home begin to fall apart.

Rachel is tormented by the memory of her cold and dishonest relationship with her sister, Kate; Ethan's father, unwilling to confront cruel family truths, is ready to blame everybody but himself. Redemption depends upon the hostages' safe return, but as the prospect of their release fades so do their hopes of escape - and they already know the penalty for dissent . . . In the vein of Alex Garland's THE BEACH, BENEATH THE DIAMOND SKY is an absorbing psychological examination of how character fragments under pressure. It is a beautifully written, blackly funny and terrifying read

What will you learn from this book

  1. Friendship and Loyalty: The novel portrays the deep bond of friendship between the two main characters, Tom and Harry, as they navigate life's challenges together, highlighting the importance of loyalty and mutual support.

  2. Adventure and Exploration: Through their journey across India, Tom and Harry encounter a series of adventures and unexpected experiences, immersing themselves in the vibrant culture and diverse landscapes of the country.

  3. Cultural Immersion: The book provides rich descriptions of India's cultural heritage, customs, and traditions, offering readers a vivid sense of the country's beauty and complexity.

  4. Identity and Belonging: Tom's search for his biological father and Harry's quest to uncover the truth about his family history raise questions about identity and belonging, prompting them to confront their own sense of self and place in the world.

  5. Family Dynamics: The novel explores the complexities of family relationships, including themes of loss, reconciliation, and forgiveness, as Tom and Harry grapple with their own family histories and the legacy of their parents' choices.

  6. Self-Discovery: Through their journey, Tom and Harry undergo a process of self-discovery, confronting their fears, insecurities, and desires, and ultimately finding a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.

  7. Resilience and Adaptability: The characters demonstrate resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity, overcoming obstacles and setbacks with courage and determination as they pursue their goals.

  8. Nature and the Environment: The novel highlights the beauty of nature and the importance of environmental conservation, depicting the awe-inspiring landscapes of India and the fragile balance between humans and the natural world.

  9. Friendship Across Differences: Tom and Harry come from different backgrounds and have contrasting personalities, but their friendship transcends these differences, demonstrating the power of connection and empathy to bridge divides.

  10. Emotional Depth: "Beneath The Diamond Sky" delves into the characters' emotional lives, exploring themes of love, grief, longing, and redemption with sensitivity and nuance, creating a poignant and memorable reading experience.

Language English
ISBN-10 0330427024
ISBN-13 9780330427029
No of pages 320
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Picador
Published Date 16 Jul 2004

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