The Story
Dave loved Michelle more than life itself. But when, at 40, he finds himself alone, he can no longer cope. Big Al and James, concerned that their friend might top himself, need to formulate a rescue plan; and fast. Spanish language classes, a crash course in the traditional Andalusian dance of sevillanas and a week of fiesta in Sevilla ought to do the trick. Brilliant! It is a project requiring preparation, and in the case of tall, ungainly, rugby fanatic Big Al, a large dollop of humiliation as “second row forwards don't do bleedin’ flamenco!”
With Osama bin Laden dead and the Arab Spring having reached its zenith, al-Qaeda splits into two factions. There may be a more intelligent way to Islamicise the decadent west. But could the AQALAN Initiative be strangled at birth and the world thrown into turmoil by a seemingly innocuous spat between two men attending a sevillanas dance class in South London?
The Video
Reader Reviews
"I literally could not stop reading the last 1/3rd of the book for wondering how all would turn out... " Joan (USA)
"It is funny, but it does take the reader seriously. Quite enjoyable! " Casey (Spain)
"I'm left not understanding why AQALAN isn't a best seller. Great characterisation, a really unusual, gripping story. I can't recommend this book highly enough." Kindlemadgirl (USA)
" It has everything, Drama, Comedy & Terror." Irene (USA)
" ... entertaining and completely different. Laced with tongue in cheek brit humour, and very clever plot..." Heather (Spain)
BubbleCow Edit Review
I have THOROUGHLY enjoyed reading this submission. I would go as far as saying that it is one of the best I’ve read in all my years working with BubbleCow.
.... Your narrative is carefully controlled, full of confidence and has left me desperately searching for negatives for this report. I have approached the edit with a critical eye, very aware that it needs to be the best it can possibly be, but I honestly feel that you’ve created an original and utterly impressive narrative.
... Overall a strong, crafted narrative that evokes reaction. There is confidence and originality leaping from the pages. The story is utterly engaging and was a pleasure to edit.
.... This chapter has left me feeling emotional. Utterly controlled and crafted. I had worried about stepping out of the tension of the timeline, but this chapter is breath-taking.
... A clever and controlled ending to what has been a highly crafted novel that speaks of experience. Your writing is full of heart and speaks of an experienced writer. Utterly impressed and thoroughly enjoyed editing your work.
Thank you!
Caroline Smailes - BubbleCow
Genre & Target Market
Contemporary Fiction, Thriller, Dark Comedy, Heart-breaker, Social Commentary
The script uses several POVs to accentuate the light and dark components of a story whose writing style is heavily influenced by such bitter/sweet offerings as Vikas Swarup´s Q&A and Aravind Adiga’s White Tiger, textured with shades of Ben Elton’s socially caustic commentary and then wrapped in the gut-wrenching suspense and menace of an Andy McNab nail-biter.
Constantly changing POV and timelines (controlled) are intended to create a reader’s comfort-zone, build up the tension and then shake him/her out of it. Targeted readers are those who might appreciate suspense backed up by highly topical story-line, some historical context and a generous helping of traditional Andalusian culture thrown into the mix.
The genre is definitely dark humour fiction but, other than that, very difficult to sub-label. In the words of editor Bubblecow, The AQALAN Initiative is a truly “original and utterly impressive narrative”.