Crawley Author Releases Debut Historical Novel
Following the successful publication of his first book, a biography of pioneering pilot, Amy Johnson, Crawley author Karim Lalani has now written a debut historical novel, The Rules of Engagement. The wartime book spans the bloody events and the aftermath of the First World War, which broke out 105 years-ago this month.
Not content with one successful book under his belt, author Karim Lalani from Pound Hill is now the proud author of his first historical novel. Karim, who is his 50s, has been writing and submitting to publishers since his twenties and says he enjoys the freedom writing gives him.
Entitled The Rules Of Engagement, the book brings to life Britain in 1914, the main characters, Alex and Daniel are introduced as they enjoy an idyllic weekend in the June sunshine, unaware of events which are beginning to unfold in Europe, and would see their lives changed forever.
Speaking about the inspiration for his debut historical novel, Karim, says: “I decided I wanted to write a novel with a First World War theme in 2014, when I saw events on television to mark the centenary of it starting.’
“I always intended to write a poignant story that would serve as a fitting tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and through the characters I had created, tell a story of how the war impacted on all sections of society.”
The book follows Alex and Daniel as they fight on the Western Front, living each day as if it could be their last, and although the social ackgrounds of the two men could not be more different, their shared experience of war unites them as they face the day-in, day-out struggles of life on the Western Front.
Alex Conyer and Daniel, the Viscount Swiffen are soon facing the stark reality of war and the bloody and brutal nature of combat. They both realise they are as unprepared as each other for the conflict which threatens everyone, and for both as the war unfolds round them, their lives are turned upside down.
His advice for aspiring writers is simple, Karim explains: “Be prepared for the disappointment of rejection and although it’s a cliché, whatever project you’re working on, get it written. Go back and edit later to get it right.”
