Of Mud & Honey by Roxana Trabulsi

Release: January 7, 2023
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Ten16 Press
Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle

As the reign of imperialism ends in Aden, Yemen and gives way to a communist government, a young family finds themselves trapped as political prisoners. Strength, love and faith are pushed to their limits overnight as they embark on the fight of their lives.
November 1967 in Aden, Yemen. Dara and Silloo Barucha with their family face an interruption in their serene life when violence erupts after the British occupation announce their plan for a swift exit from the country. Things take a turn when the revolutionary forces seize their family business . And they become a target by members of the revolution. Dara is whisked away as a political prisoner while Silloo put under house arrest with her three young children and mother-in-law.

As the couple embark on their separate harrowing journeys, in the hopes of being reunited, they are consistently faced by challenges. The looming question: will they make it out alive?

About the Author:

Roxana Motiwalla Trabulsi is the author of Of Mud and Honey. Born in London, United Kingdom, but raised in Dubai, Roxana now lives just outside of Boston in Massachusetts, where she writes and works as a freelance writer and graphic designer. A graduate of Northeastern University, she spent the first few years out of school purchasing mechanical parts for a local audio company. She and her husband moved to Tokyo soon after they were married and have lived there twice in the last twenty years. She currently sits on the board of the local farmer’s market where she has not only contributed to creating a sustainable community but has also been able to bring new and diverse programs such as a self-sustainable seed library to her town. Ultimately, she revels most in her role as mum to her three children.

She loves all things farmers market, travel, yoga, art and design, and of course, reading. She lives with her husband, her teenage son and their three-year-old cockapoo. https://roxanatrabulsi.com/

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Of Mud & Honey Review:

Let me begin by stating that I had never delved into a narrative centered around the Aden Street Riots before, and this book served as a remarkable revelation. I was fascinated with the subject matter. The author adeptly delves into the events surrounding the NLF’s declaration of victory and the impending negotiations for Aden’s independence, with the National Liberation Front (NLF) and the Front for Liberation of Occupied South Yemen (FLOSY) emerging as pivotal players in the tumultuous struggle for control. Within this turbulent context, the narrative immerses us in Dara’s world, which becomes inevitably entangled in the throes of conflict.

Speaking of Dara, I found the author’s portrayal of the two main characters deeply compelling, evoking profound empathy within me. The author skillfully accentuates the harsh realities that Dara confronts, his unwavering resilience in the face of adversity, and his unrelenting pursuit of justice and freedom for incarcerated men. Certain scenes left me profoundly unsettled, such as the vivid depiction of Mansoura Prison—a sinister tower with a design dating back to British rule, complete with a torture chamber engineered to induce claustrophobia and anxiety in its unfortunate detainees.

Likewise, Silloo’s character shines brilliantly in this narrative. The author masterfully highlights the mounting tension, fear, and desperation that envelop Silloo as she navigates Aden’s tumultuous and uncertain landscape. The story powerfully underscores the relentless challenges and sacrifices Silloo endures in her unwavering determination to shield her loved ones in a city steeped in danger and uncertainty.

Yet, amidst the darkness and turmoil, the author weaves threads of optimism throughout the narrative. In its entirety, “Of Mud & Honey” emerges as a splendid work of historical fiction, a biography that beckons readers to explore its profound depths.