The Second Coming:
In the remnants of a fractured UK, England is on the brink of collapse where far-right militias rise to power. As Islamophobia and English nationalism ignite brutal violence, 19-year-old Marah Sultana is thrust into a fight for survival. Hunted by forces seeking control, she carries a secret powerful enough to change the course of the war—and the future of the world. In a world in which America’s reign as a superpower has crumbled, its mercenaries now rule in its shadow, In The Second Coming, Tariq Mehmood delivers a searing, unflinching narrative that mirrors his own lifelong struggle for justice. This novel is not just fiction—it’s a reflection of real-world battles. Mehmood’s powerful storytelling compels readers to confront uncomfortable truths while offering a gripping, emotional journey of resistance and survival.
Rob Snikkar
November 9, 2024Hi Firoze, I just completed that interview video.
Congratulations on a very insightful interview about a very interesting book and author.
Tariq is an amazingly clear thinker and speaks like a good writer using concise plain language to reach human ears.I assume this must be evident in his writing by the way he speaks of novels and fiction – he exemplifies why we need artists to tell stories that connect with humans.
When he discusses whiteness and how that loss of power might affect whites it resonates with me in terms of Canada and the US (and its recent election).Our manufactured identity myth is based on colonial and racist bases and the lies are told in the cradle – through many artistic forms including media narratives.
I think you will find “Prophet Song” (Paul Lynch) an interesting read that follows an approach compatible with Tariq’s outlook on writing about these issues.The novel tracks a slow march (…boiling the frog) of a right wing takeover of England where even the previously protected and privileged whites find themselves “othered” – rebel – and even become refugees.What I most like about it and why it connects with so many readers is that it looks at the day to day effects on human characters that is totally believable. It is not an arcane polemical treatise – it helps people see how this can happen to you.
I agree with most of Tariq’s discussion – but come on, if Anti-Semitism is everywhere there surely is some in Palestine?I do question yet another man speaking on behalf of women but I haven’t read the book.And what difference will it make who is the US president – a good question – the president is just a frontman for the regime – but who will drop the bombs on Iran and let the Saudi’s rule with Israel’s support?Maybe those plans are already in operation – I’m surprised that Tariq did not mention Iran at all – maybe he is more hopeful than I.
Perhaps BRICS will cooperate with the US/West and let Iran fall to allow the Wahhabi’s rule the Arabs of the Middle East – you know that won’t be pretty for many (women of the foreign workers…)I think the US will let go of Ukraine, let up on China, and let Iran be destroyed – they can’t fight on all those fronts – then maybe we see how all the power of violence will make deals on how to divide and control the rest of us.And it remains to be seen how Modi and his Hindu nationalism will play out for muslims, Sikhs and Pakistanis…
Peace & Understanding…Rob