The Spymaster of Baghdad is the debut non-fiction novel by investigative journalist Margaret Coker, who tells the story of the secret Iraqi intelligence unit which infiltrated the Islamic State and paved the way for the killing of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2019. The book is available here now.
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I found this novel so engaging. Instantly, I was drawn into her writing which does not over-dramatize key factual events but simply relays them to the reader in a way which is informative yet still absorbing and fascinating. The novel is as entertaining, if not more so, than any fictional spy thriller I’ve read previously, yet coupled with this is the educational value and the astonishing significance that everything written here is factual and did occur.
Coker illustrates her extensive knowledge on this topic through following the upbringings and changing fates of two key families, the al-Sudanis and the al-Kubaisis living within Baghdad and the Spymaster: Abu Ali. Through using the same real people and evidence throughout the entire novel to retell this story, the reader can really form a connection to the characters, which ensures this book is thoroughly gripping and engaging. The al-Sudanis are Shiites whilst the al-Kubaisis are Sunnis, two rival groups in Baghdad whose fates perilously changed throughout recent history. Under the reign of Saddam Hussein, Sunnis were typically safe whereas life for the Shiites was dangerous, however, once Saddam Hussein was opposed in 2003 and American troops entered, the critical divide between Shiites and Sunni’s remained.
A particular event near the beginning of this novel reflects upon how Abrar al-Kubaisis (a Sunni) was radicalised into developing extremist views after witnessing a 20-year-old innocent Sunni woman, Sabrine al-Janabi being taken from her home and raped by several policemen. Then, when she revealed what occurred on a TV broadcast, she was accused of lying by the Shiites, issued with an arrest warrant and accused of polygamy and supporting terrorism. This particular event is one of many which shows the injustices innocent people faced, both Shiites and Sunnis. I believe Coker’s inclusion of these particular retellings is drastically important and shines a sometimes painful light onto historical truths – which makes this novel all the more important to read.
Following the contextual background introduction to the two families, the bulk of this novel is fast-paced and adrenaline-pumping. It follows the two sons of the al-Sudani family who are recruited by the spymaster, Abu Ali and enthralled into a top-secret intelligence unit called The Falcons, whose successful work manages to infiltrate the Islamic state. Overall, this book is essential reading and I’d highly recommend.
