I can't help but feel guilty for deriving an interesting read at the cost of 'sara' and the rest of the Islam community who may have read the book.
The community have been so unjustifiably antagonised in this lesser-known ACD book, that you begin to question his morale.
We are scared by things we don't understand. So, I can see why ACD may have come up with the alienated 'musalmen' being the baddies of this plot.
There are a few pages that gives you an idea of the Victorian psyche. To them there was no line between progressive imperialism and regressive imperialism... Imperialism is imperialism- Brits are civilised, so they are to control and help develop the Undeveloped.
As a neutral, I was able to ignore all of these Brit/Christian agenda quite quickly. I quite enjoyed the simple plot. I loved all of the distinct characters that he has created and managed to find the discreet romance between Mr. Stephens and Ms. Sadie quite heart-warming. There is a lyrical beauty to which ACD spins out his tale.
If you can swallow the propaganda, do read this desert drama.