When the Nile Runs Red-DiAnn Mills

When the Nile Runs Red
DiAnn Mills
Moody, Sep 2007, $12.99
ISBN: 978082499110

In 2005 in the Sudan, many hope that the newly formed government, which includes John Garang as vice president will end the bloodshed especially the genocide in Darfur. However, people like Paul Farid, a former Muslim member of the royal family who converted to Christianity, believe the Government of Sudan (GOS) soldiers will continue their killing raids. He in fact sees first hand the destruction of the Dinka village Xokabuc by the GOS because they seek to capture him. Paul warns his best friend Sudan’s People Liberation Army Colonel Ben Alier that a GOS battalion is coming for them. Although Ben’s men defeat the enemy he takes a bullet that requires emergency treatment so he is rushed to Paul’s wife Dr. Larson, who hides her pregnancy from her spouse.

Meanwhile Paul’s brother devoted Muslim Nizam wants to meet him in Kibun. Although his family wants him dead for his atrocity and sins against the Prophet, Paul agrees to see his favorite sibling. He hides what he is doing from Larson, but she follows him into danger in which she and others become an expendable royal family pawn.

With its apropos title WHEN THE NILE RUNS RED is a deep look at the atrocities occurring in the Sudan. The three prime players are fully developed and feel heroically genuine so that their encounters provide a realistic graphic glimpse at humanity’s darkened soul. Although there is a bias towards Christianity as the benevolent religion vs. the alleged harshness of Islam, readers will be stunned by the powerful vivid exposé of genocide.

Harriet Klausner