cover image Shooting the Sphinx

Shooting the Sphinx

Avram Noble Ludwig. Forge, $26.99 (320p) ISBN 978-0-7653-8113-2

Ludwig’s exciting first novel draws on his experience as an assistant director in Egypt in 2005 filming the Sphinx from a helicopter for the science fiction film Jumper. In 2011, Hollywood producer Ari Basher comes to Cairo with his crew to film the Sphinx for a big-budget thriller movie, but he must first get government permission to fly a helicopter close to the ancient monument. Meanwhile, Ari becomes friendly with Farah, an Egyptian professor whose students are seeking to overthrow the military government. What started out as a straightforward assignment rapidly evolves into a bewildering and dangerous situation that draws Ari into the country’s chaotic political struggle. Ari’s problems with foreign business partners, airlines, customs officials, and bureaucratic red tape all ring true, though readers should be prepared for some awkward prose (“The businessman faltered, dazed by the radiance of Ari’s confident exuberance”). Agent: Richard Abate, 3 Arts Entertainment. (June)