
A committee of human rights advocates flies to Iran in 1975 to investigate charges of torture; on the same plane is a group of art collectors to visit Iranian museums and archaeological sites. The plane is hijacked, and both groups become hostages.
A group of disparate travelers is thrust into a high-stakes hostage situation when their flight to Iran is hijacked by terrorists.
The narrative follows a committee of human rights advocates and a party of wealthy art collectors, each representing conflicting ideological and social perspectives. As they are held captive, the power dynamics shift between the captors and the hostages, revealing the underlying moral ambiguities of both groups. The story utilizes a multi-perspective framework to examine the intersection of political idealism, material greed, and the fragility of human safety. The physical confinement of the hostages serves as a catalyst for intense psychological and philosophical confrontation.
Readers and critics often note the sharp, intellectual tone that characterizes the prose throughout the narrative. Discussion frequently centers on the author's ability to balance political commentary with the mechanics of a suspenseful hostage situation. Many observers highlight the irony present in the interactions between the human rights advocates and the art collectors. The work is recognized for its focus on character development over traditional action-oriented pacing, which some find challenging but ultimately rewarding. The thematic exploration of how individuals maintain their principles under extreme duress remains a primary point of interest for those analyzing the text.
Page Count:
384
Publication Date:
1982-01-01
Publisher:
Penguin
ISBN-10:
0140056939
ISBN-13:
9780140056938
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!