No Rapture

by Stephan Zimmermann
(U.S.)

"No Rapture," is a political suspense novel, set in present-day Damascus, Syria. The book is Stephan Zimmermann's fourth released novel in five years.

The 376-page novel features a young, female Muslim scientist from Cambridge, Cantara Suhayar; a Sephardic rabbi from Syria, Shelomo ben-Shuraqui; and an American tourist, Jason Littrell.

During a religious conference coinciding with Ramadan and Rosh Hashana, the trio is caught in a rare earthquake in the ancient city. The protagonists share their respetive views on life, death and the frailty of humanity amid the constant threat of war. Political and religious maneuvering by major powers provide a realistic backdrop to life the Middle East.

Strong characters, engrossing, controversial dialogue and an immersion into the culture of Damascus invite the reader to a factual-fiction delight.

The novel crescendos with a terrifying climax, providing the reader with a front-row seat in the midst of the crucible of nature's and man-made devastation.

No Rapture