Cirrus@Austlit

'When Faisal, an Afghani from the Pashtun tribe, begins attending Michael Farril’s English as a Second Language class, Michael has every reason to be terrified. This Faisal has all the external signs of being a Muslim extremist and a potential terrorist. However, as Michael gets to know Faisal, he realises that things aren’t what they originally seemed. Eventually a very strong friendship develops between these two men. In doing so, each man has to adjust his thinking to the other’s beliefs and outlooks on life. Michael has to re-evaluate his views and opinions about refugees and Muslims, and Faisal has to learn to appreciate that 'Michael’s openly gay lifestyle is one of the many aspects of the freedom granted within a country in which Faisal is seeking asylum.
From Faisal, Michael learns all about Afghanistan, its history and the current developments which caused thousands of refugees to flee the country. Michael then becomes heavily involved in a long, suspenseful and drawn out battle in order to save Faisal from being refused protection.' (Publication summary)

'Here at last, an accurate biography of the amazing Englishwoman, Anna Kingsford (1846-1888). 2nd edition now available. Anna Kingsford accomplished much of lasting value in her life, tragically cut short by consumption. Beautiful, talented and rich, she eloped with a theology student at the age of 21, and married him on the condition that she be free to pursue her own career. She owned a paper in London, then took a medical degree in Paris to aid her promotion of progressive causes. As a mystic of a high order, she received illuminations which formed the basis of her classic Hermeticwork, The Perfect Way. On invitation, she became president of the British Theosophical Society, but fell out with the irascible Madame Blavatsky to form her own Hermetic Society. She will long be remembered for her mystical works, her promotion of vegetarianism and animal welfare, and her courage in exposing cant and hypocrisy in a repressive age. Anna Kingsford's reputation has been seriously maligned in some quarters. Did she kill two Frenchmen by mind power? Was her mind taken over by a black magician? In past lives was she Mary Magdalen, Joan of Arc, and Anne Boleyn? Now, for the first time, these and other disturbing questions are answered.' (Publication summary)