Land Of Marvels by Barry Unsworth

 

The time is 1914 and the place is Mesopotamia (now Iraq).  In the leadup to the First World War, a collection of individuals from around the globe have gathered to attempt to attain their goals.  Somerville is a British archaeologist and believes that he has found an undiscovered Assyrian palace.  He has financed the expedition himself to a large extent and he is desperate to make a momentous discovery and assure his place in history.  He is accompanied by his wife, who chose him over more prestigious matches because she found his quest fascinating but now that she is here, she is bored and looking for excitement. 

Others in the party include graduate students who have found romance with each other and of course, the native men who do the actual work.  Jehar is one of these men, a scout whose main interest is getting enough money from this work to pay the dowry of his love and make her his wife.  He is scouting and reporting back on the progress of a railroad to Baghdad which Somerville is fearful will come through his digging and ruin his plans.  There are also government officials who have paved the way for Somerville's work and a shadowy businessman who cares not a whit about the upcoming war, ancient history or what will happen except for how it affects his fortune.  These last two make a pact with Somerville.  He will allow an American geologist, Elliot, who is scouting for oil reserves to join his expedition, hiding his true plans behind that of being another archaeologist.  

Tensions mount as each individual pursues his own agenda.  Somerville makes a breakthrough in the excavation and it appears that he does have a major find.  Elliot is also successful in his explorations and believes that he has discovered a massive oilfield.  He knows that there are both business and military rivals that would do anything to know his discoveries.  Jahar becomes more and more frantic as the time grows shorter for him to find the money to marry and he comes up with a plan to blow up the railroad works to delay their progress.  Somerville's wife starts an affair with the American out of boredom and fear that her husband is not as impressive as she believed when she married him.  The tension rises and it is inevitable that there will be clashes between the opposing agendas.  Who will emerge victorious?

Barry Unsworth had a long and distinguished career as an author.  He wrote seventeen historical fiction novels, usually with some connection to the British Empire.  He was shortlisted three times for Booker Prize and his novel, Sacred Hunger, won the Booker in 1992.  This novel with its' conflicting agendas and personalities is an exploration of the urges that drive men to complete amazing feats and their willingness to do whatever it takes, good or evil, to accomplish their goals.  It starts slowly but the tension and pace increase until the book reaches its thrilling climax.  This book is recommended for readers of literary fiction.