Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

Meer over het boek

Dr. Alfred Jones, a fisheries scientist in Great Britain, is tasked with introducing salmon to the desert in Yemen, driven by the ambitious vision of a Yemeni sheikh. The sheikh believes that if successful, this endeavor will unite his countrymen in a shared experience of fishing, transforming their lives and fostering harmony. He emphasizes the importance of faith, stating, "Without faith, there is no hope. Without faith, there is no love." However, Alfred, lacking religious faith and trapped in a loveless marriage, finds these ideas hard to grasp. Despite his doubts about the project's feasibility, he bonds with Sheikh Muhammad over their shared passion for fishing. The pressure mounts when a government representative insists that Alfred must succeed to create a positive connection between Great Britain and the Middle East amid ongoing conflicts. As the project progresses, Alfred receives support from Harriet, the sheikh's land agent, as they prepare for an opening day photo opportunity with the Prime Minister. Yet, unforeseen challenges arise, leading to tragedy for all involved. Ultimately, Alfred's perspective shifts profoundly, culminating in his realization: "I believe in it, because it is impossible."