Lebanon-set murder mystery ‘The King of India’ is full of twists and turns

From the award-winning late Lebanese novelist Jabbour Douaihy comes a murder mystery set against a scenic backdrop in “The King of India.” Amidst the mountains of northern Lebanon, in the village of Tel Safra, a man called Zakariya bin Ibrahim Mubarak returns home after a long absence, only to mysteriously die soon after. Secrets and suspects are abundant, corruption and politics hover close behind, and the murder of a member of one of Tel Safra’s oldest families leaves room for many rumors. Translated by Paula Haydar, “The King of India” begins with a murder and ends with stories and events that are as artistic as they are exceptional.

The Mubarak family’s roots run deep in the soil of Tel Safra despite their travels. From Philomena, Zakariya’s great grandmother, to Zakariya, each family member always returns for no place can offer them peace like the chiseledstone house that Philomena built, or that of the Mahmoudiya Orchard. Yet, just under the serenity are mysteries and enemies, wounds of abandonment and sectarian strife, and sibling rivalry that has generational consequences. Among the town, its inhabitants, its recent refugees, and Hajjal Valley, life can get complicated without much effort, as it had become for Zakariya. And things descend further into chaos with a botched initial investigation that only delays truths from being unearthed.

Heading the investigation into Zakariya Mubarak’s death is Kamal Abu Khalid who begins to unravel the story of Zakariya’s life and death. With clues coming in from far-off places and the historical animosity the family endures,

Kamal tries to make sense of it all. The village accuses Zakariya’s cousin of the murder as there is generational tension between them, but within Zakariya’s possessions are famous paintings and photographs of people no one knows.

The clues just don’t add up but one thing is for certain, the Mubarak children ended up inheriting more than just a house and money. They unwillingly welcomed enemies and loathsome neighbors.

Douaihy’s novel eases readers into a tale full of multifaceted twists and turns. At its heart, a mystery grows larger and beats stronger with every page. The beauty of the landscape, the sectarian tension, the consequences of war, and historical events, layer the mystery with life, vibrance and heartbreak.