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Author Insight
The Bystander --what's under the sand
It is impossible to live in Saudi Arabia and not be aware of the desert and its history. The sand is light beige, soft and gorgeous. What secrets does it cover? We will never know. But we do know for centuries the Arabian Peninsula was a main road for frankincense to go to Ethiopia and to China where it was used to embalm, and for other religious ceremonies. it also was burned and kept away insects, which reduced malaria. The city of Ubar does exist and it is buried in the sand. THE ROAD TO UBAR: Finding the Atlantis of the Sands, by nicolas clapp, was my inspiration for my book. I heard him speak when i lived in Riyadh and was fascinated. I hope you will be just as taken with the sand as I was, and am.
Book Excerpt
The Bystander
“For centuries, the Rub’ al Khali has hidden its secrets under sand dunes a thousand feet high. So, the legend goes that under the sand lies the city of Ubar, famous for frankincense which in ancient days was more valuable than gold. Amy, today frankincense is still harvested in Oman. Gotta tell you, the first time I saw the trees they looked like east Texas scrub brush. But that little brush brought Alexander the Great and Roman emperors to this peninsula. What Hassa expects to find is anyone’s guess. For sure it isn’t frankincense.”
Amy knew Sam was right. “Somewhere I read that frankincense was burned for its scent and for medicinal powers. But, like you, I am sure that’s not why Hassa asked me.”
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