The Secrets We Live In : A Novel

The Secrets We Live In by Fazle Chowdhury is an action-packed book full of conspiracy, drama, and romance. Ambassador to France Zain Auzaar is notorious for his elaborate parties and dashing personality. Being the former CEO of a hedge fund and horse breeder has its perks, and Zain’s fame was paramount before he even became ambassador, especially with the ladies. Salima Abbasid, Chief of Staff to Ambassador Auzaar, works tirelessly for him. His right-hand woman, Salima does an extraordinary job working out Zain’s schedule and social commitments and dealing with his various moods. In addition, she works incessantly on Zain’s reputation, making sure his love of women does not rub the media, or any female ambassadors, the wrong way.

Salima works with Mazaar and Ferdash, two former military intelligence officers who now work as Ambassador Auzaar’s security, to protect Zain. They, alongside the rest of the security team, have a difficult time ensuring the spontaneous Zain’s safety. With so many people coming in and out of their elaborate mansion, monitoring who is present can become a serious concern. This problem becomes more heated throughout the novel as an intruder makes his way in, dying at one of Zain’s parties. Unsure of how to proceed, Zain is furious, and the security team must work to figure out who this man is and how he is connected to the ambassador. Later on, security becomes an even bigger issue as Zain appears to be targeted, but by whom and for what?

In addition to focusing on Ambassador Auzaar’s story in France, the plot also follows Simon Eldan, a former airforce pilot now working as Chief of Staff to Representative Donamessi. Eldan is described by his colleagues as an enigma; despite working 14+ hour shifts a day, Eldan’s voracious work speed never wavers. Little do they know that Eldan has his own secrets, with behind the table deals being one of his specialties. Seeming to have a direct hand in much that goes on in this novel, both in America and in France, Eldan is a force to be reckoned with.

The majority of the conspiracy and drama in this novel revolve around a nuclear deal with the French government. Both Representative Donamessi and Ambassador Auzaar have much on their hands with regard to this. With a refugee crisis simultaneously happening in Europe, there is much to deal with. Needless to say, this plot is full of activity, foreign policy, murder, and government deals. To any reader who enjoys mystery and international affairs with a dash of romance, I encourage you to read this book.