EMPIRE OF SAND

Chances are, if you are of a certain age, as soon as you see the name “Lawrence of Arabia” or “T.E. Lawrence”, you would immediately associate it with David Lean’s magnificent film; or of Peter O’Toole who immortalised him or even of Maurice Jarre’s magnificent score. So think how Robert Ryan had a big fight on his hands to create something “new” on this enigmatic character.  

How does he do it?  Well for a start, he doesn’t cover the same period as Lean’s film, the book moves from 1917 in Palestine and the Arab Revolt, back to 1915 Cairo, and Persia then forward again to Palestine. If you want, it’s a prequel to the movie. Naturally our hero needs an enemy and we are introduced to a lesser known figure or William Wassmuss, a German soldier siding with the Persian tribes to oust the Brits from the country. And the see-sawing between Lawrence and Wassmuss as they circle each other like two desert scorpions; tails up and ready to strike the first blow is nothing but fun. 

Whether it’s the book’s historical connection or the action sequences that interests you, it is filled with plot twists, and a couple of nods to classic films (let’s see if you can spot them). The description of the harsh majesty of the desert is so palpable that you can practically feel the sun burning the back of your neck and the wind wiping around your ears.  Robert Ryan has a real talent for creating historical atmosphere and Empire of Sand is a wonderful story because it plays at different levels beyond the action. Despite the fact that Lawrence is considered one of England’s greatest heroes, Ryan’s approach gradually breaks down this illusion and gives him a lonely nobility which makes us feel something for the man rather than the legend.  

I recommend you read Robert’s article as background to the novel. Click here.