The Secret Keeper by Paul Harris
Release date: 2009 / 318 pages
Synopsis (from back cover): Four years ago, British journalist Danny Kellerman was given the opportunity of a lifetime: covering the political crisis in Sierra Leone as a war correspondent. While in Freetown, he begins a passionate love affair with a beautiful American woman, Maria Tirado, who helps run an orphanage for ex-child soldiers. But Danny can’t shake the feeling that Maria is hiding somthing from him, and as the crisis escalates, Danny has no choice but to leave; he boards a helicopter out of Freetown and never looks back. Until four years later…
First line: “He ran his tongue over his swollen gums and tasted blood.”
Review: I seem to be on a welcome roll with my review books — this is the third book I have thoroughly enjoyed. The genre is not my usual milieu — more along the lines of what a publisher might call “men’s fiction” — but what a rollicking, exciting, suspenseful journey into the heart of post-colonial Africa (and thankfully back home again).
I have been to Africa three times and loved every visit — first to the teeming streets of Cairo, then to the placid plains of Kenya, and then six months ago to meet my new Ethiopian niece. While each destination was markedly different from the others, each shared a beauty that is unlike anywhere else and beyond my powers of description.
However, The Secret Keeper is not about the beauty of Africa. On a certain level this novel is a new-world Heart of Darkness, exposing the greed and destruction decades of colonialism has wrought on this beleaguered continent. But not to mislead — this novel really isn’t a ”political” treatiste, but a compelling, gripping adventure set in undeniable misery.
So, why did I choose to read and review it in the first place? Well, the author is a journalist who has written for Reuters, the AP, and The Daily Telegraph, and was a war correspondent in Africa for The Observer. So, I figured he would not only be a decent writer (very much so), but must have a certain amount of credibility with this subject matter. I imagine he does, but I sure hope the story was largely (if not wholly) fictional, so that he lives to write a sequel — or at least a second novel.
I can’t help but believe Hollywood will secure the rights to this novel ASAP — I know I would! So I recommend checking it out before it hits the silver screen.
By the way, I would recommend this as a good choice for book clubs, too — so much so that I whipped up a set of discussion questions. Many, many issues to discuss…
Interested in other reviews of this novel — check out TLC’s book tour for a selection of opinions.
Interested in reading it for yourself? You know the drill 
— Leave me a comment and I’ll choose a winner! By the way, I have noticed that even after I have chosen a winner (which I put in the comments), I will still get hopeful comments about winning… So, what is the best way for me to announce that I have chosen a winner? Should I create a new post? Should I alter the original post? I would love your feedback on this!
Great review! I’m so glad that you’re enjoying the books that you’ve been reading.
And personally, I think it would be best to create a new post, since a lot of people don’t go back and read comment threads, and a lot of people use feed readers.
But that’s just me.
Thank you, Jessica! I usually do not post on Saturdays, so maybe this should become my “Winner!” day?!
Hi Kristen–I’d love to win this one!
Also, in regards to your question, maybe when you announce the contest say what the deadline is to enter. That way, people will know they have to enter by a certain date, in case they skim the comments and don’t realize you’ve already given it away
Hi Laura — Great idea! I never thought about having a deadline for some reason… I’m so glad I asked for feedback!
And you’re in the running!
Great review, Kristen! Just wanted you to know that I tweeted about the giveaway.
Thank you so much for all the time you devoted to reading and reviewing The Secret Keeper!
Great review. I would love to read it.
I agree, you should put a deadline and also a separate post.
sharon54220@gmail.com
Hi! Sounds like an awesome read, would love to win it. I just ran across your blog via another blog and have enjoyed reading it.
Natalie
I agree, a deadline would be great to know if its still available! I would love to be in the running for this book!
Would love to read the current book you are offering in your giveaway. The Secret Keeper
Thanks for your great website. Sherrie
Kristen, I’ve been enjoying reading your reviews! Could you put my name in the hat for this drawing? Thanks! Lynne
I’m so glad there is interest in this wonderful novel!!
Sharon, Natalie, Betsy, Sherrie, and Lynne — you are all in the running!
I’ll announce a winner on Saturday
You’re right, it’s a great story. I loved it as well. My review is here:
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Secret-Keeper-by-Paul-Harris&id=2181687
Love this site!! I also think another post highlighting the winner would work well.
Thank you for the kind words, Candace! And for the feedback, too!
I’d love to try for this one! Looks and sounds great!
You’re in, too, Lisa!
I’d love a chance to read this book! Thanks for posting about it.
Kristin,
Please enter me into the giveaway for the positive review of the book THE SECRET KEEPER. I’d love to read about post-Colonial Africa and my bookgroup keeps suggesting we read some “men’s fiction!” I just wonder how you read and review so many books?
Thanks, Linda
I wouldn’t have chosen this book to read, until I read your review. Sounds like a good read. Please enter me.
Dutchlvr1(at)aol(dot)com
Anne, Linda, and Cindy — You’re all in the running!!
I’m lucky that I am able to read as much as I do, Linda — working from home makes this possible!! Most weeks I can read 2 a week, although not always…
I agree, Cindy — I wouldn’t have chosen it either, normally, but I’m so glad I did!
Hope I’m not late for this giveaway.
I would love to read this.
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The review on this novel sounds very suspenseful. An exciting giveaway, many
thanks for giving everyone a chance to
win.
Am I too late? Please enter me, if I’m not:) Thanks Kristen!!!
I’m sorry… You are too late for both books, Renee! I choose a winner each Friday night… Maybe this week you’ll get lucky!
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