By MICHELE HEWITSON
There is a sort of disclaimer contained within the acknowledgments. The book was written, says the author, before 9/11, "at a time when the story of Islam in Britain was less widely discussed than today".
The plot involves a leading British philosopher, known for his stance against any sort of fundamentalism, and two top cops who go inside London's Arab community, and inside the mosques looking for a murder suspect.
To make things even murkier, there is a connection with genetic research. As in: "are genetic disorders cultural?"
"But now, you see," says one character, "in the newspapers a fatwa means the insane death-lust of fiendish Islamic fundamentalists. It's all so dangerous."
That would have been nice. But Babel is more clunky than dangerous, with cops who say things like "Overruled, Inspector. What do you say, son?" Suspects answer "suspiciously".
Shame, it's an interesting story made bland by such banal cop-speak.
Allen & Unwin
$36.95
<i>Barry Maitland:</i> Babel
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