Book Review: Sketches from the Periphery by MP Summers

Sketches from the Periphery

By MP Summers

Publication Date: 26th October 2024

Publisher: MP Summers

Page Length: 221 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

Alexander Barr stands on the edge of society. Humanity, devoid of civilization, is bared before him, raw and visceral.

Sketches from the Periphery, MP Summers’ debut novel, is a gripping narrative that delves into the complexities of the Darfur Conflict through the eyes of Alexander Barr, a young contractor confronted not only by the harsh realities of a fractured Sudan, but with his own morality. As he strives to find meaning, he encounters Cassandra, a fiercely independent European journalist on her own quest for understanding. Their paths continue to intersect as they both are drawn deeper into the conflict.

With a blend of historical accuracy and fictional storytelling, Sketches from the Periphery offers a profound look at the impact of war on both individuals and societies, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the human stories behind global conflicts.

The splendour of Sudan and its people has been torn asunder due to the horrors occurring in Darfur.

 

Alexander Barr, a US citizen, bravely ventures into this war-stricken country as an overseas contractor, but his experience will change the trajectory of his life forever.

 

In “Sketches from the Periphery”, MP Summers presents a compelling debut novel that follows a young man’s transformative journey to find himself in the heart of Sudan during the War in Darfur. Amidst the chaos, his discovery of love’s essence reveals its beauty and its potential for heartbreak. This powerful exploration invites readers to reflect on the intricacies of human connection in the face of adversity.

 

Alex is a young man on a meaningful quest for his purpose in life. After making the bold decision to drop out of college, he embarks on a journey working abroad, which leads him to the tumultuous landscapes of war-torn Sudan. At just twenty-two, Alex grapples with the weight of his choices and aspirations. Amidst the backdrop of conflict and chaos, he experiences a unique and powerful connection to Darfur. The raw beauty of the land, despite its scars, captivates him. There’s an undeniable sense that he belongs there, as if the dusty winds and endless horizons whisper his true calling. This is a coming-of-age tale where, amidst the vast desert and the brutality of war, Alex ultimately discovers his true self.

 

In stark contrast to Alex is Cassandra, a young and ambitious European journalist whose courage seemingly knows no bounds. Fearlessly entering territories where even the bravest soldiers would hesitate, she is driven by an insatiable hunger for the truth. Unlike Alex, Cassandra exudes an aura of confidence and intelligence, possessing an innate ability to command attention and navigate challenging situations with ease. As the story progresses, the reader can’t help but feel a sense of trepidation about her reckless bravery. She is a whirlwind, a formidable force darting through the arid desert, unstoppable in her pursuit of the next “story”. Her vibrant spirit is both inspiring and alarming, embodying the relentless quest for knowledge and justice in a world overshadowed by conflict.

 

Alex’s self-criticism is unrelenting; he often jokingly refers to himself as a “sociopath”. Yet, his actions and inner reflections reveal he lacks a true understanding of the term and instead employs it as a sweeping label for his turbulent thoughts and his ability to make people like him and share their life stories with him. In stark contrast, Cassandra articulates her philosophical ideas with a commanding presence. She exudes confidence and conviction. Her eloquent musings and journalism expertise are used not just to express her beliefs, but also to shape the very nature of her character. Through her words, she invites the reader to engage with her unwavering certitude, providing a compelling counterpoint to Alex’s moments of self-doubt.

 

There are several antagonists in this story, but there is one in particular that projects fear into the reader. The reader is ahead of Alex’s discovery of who the enemy within is, but a little more detail on the backstory of the antagonist would help the reader understand her motivation. Alex does come across as a little naïve, especially regarding the antagonist. He is very trusting and takes people at face value, although as the story progresses, his awareness of the complexities and dangers surrounding him deepens.

 

The narrative unfolds in a deeply philosophical manner, weaving together lengthy passages of Alex’s introspective thoughts and the significant dialogues between the characters, which explore themes of religion, politics, and war. The story pivots around these philosophical reflections, making the novel feel less like an enthralling adventure at times and more like an exploration of morality and the author’s own opinions on world affairs, which sometimes distracts from the story itself. At times, the novel also reads a little like a lecture, and this significantly slows the story down.

 

This book deserves praise for its rich historical and geographical detailing. Summers masterfully captures the essence of the Darfur Conflict, revealing the depths of its horrors and the pervasive misery that affected countless lives, although an understanding of the conflict before reading would give the reader an advantage as to what exactly was going on. There are moments of true terror that grip the heart, yet these are intertwined with lighter, more tender themes—like the exhilarating blossoming of young love or the delightful innocence of a small child discovering the cool breeze of an air conditioner on tiny, curious fingers. The fractured landscape of this country compels the reader to grapple with the complexities of the war. The lines that separate friend from foe are exceedingly thin, catching Alex by surprise on more than one occasion. This delicate interplay between life and death installs a sense of cautious hope, suggesting that even amidst overwhelming despair, the resilience of life prevails, and a future can unfold despite the dark shadows of the present.

 

Through vivid imagery, Summers powerfully evokes the scenery, climate, and cultural richness of the setting, as well as the era. Abundant sensory details are present, ranging from the sun-drenched earth of the Abu Shouk IDP camp to the dramatic mountains against the seemingly endless sky. This beautiful, yet at the same time unforgiving, landscape underscores the emotional depth of the characters’ experiences. Not merely a backdrop, the landscape acts as a character, mirroring the tenacity and hardships of its inhabitants within its beautiful but harsh setting.

 

The story is primarily told from a third-person perspective, mainly through Alex’s eyes. However, Summers skilfully shifts the focus to provide insights into Cassandra’s thoughts and feelings through her dialogue. This approach enhances the story’s depth and complexity, offering a direct look at the motivations of both characters. At times, Summers randomly uses a third-person subjective point of view, which makes for a somewhat disjointed reading experience. However, as the narrative progresses, the author primarily adheres to the third-person perspective, resulting in a much more enjoyable reading experience.

 

“Sketches from the Periphery” by MP Summers is a gripping novel that masterfully delves into the intricate dynamics of morality, religion, politics, and love. With a moving and starkly harrowing narrative, Summers skilfully resurrects the complexities of this era, leaving readers both profoundly impacted and reflective.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde

Yarde Reviews & Book Promotion

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MP Summers

MP Summers is a professional environmentalist specializing in trans-national impacts and regulatory compliance.

His career began in 2005, when he dropped out of college and pursued a contract position supporting the Peacekeeping Mission in Darfur. He has since executed environmental and sustainability projects throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. 

A Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a member of both the Hakluyt Society and Alianta, MP Summers has a Bachelor's degree from Jacksonville State University and a Juris Doctor from Birmingham School of Law. MP currently lives in Alabama with his wife, son, and two dogs. 

His debut novel, Sketches from the Periphery, focuses on the intersectional roots of the Darfur conflict.

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