Beirut 1975.

Clashes on the outskirts of the city hardly seem to threaten the self-indulgent lifestyle of the expat community. For newcomers Richard and Claire the 'troubles' just add to the interest and excitement. And besides, adventure beckons, in the shape of their new friends, madcap American journalist Lawrence and the exotic, alluring Monique. But there's big trouble in store, even for a would-be hero.

Conflict in the Middle East has been a recurring theme ever since most of us can remember, and recent events have once again turned the spotlight on a region where peace is always fragile, death never far away, but somehow life goes on. 'The Foreign Aide' offers an insight into a world of intrigue, politics, tribalism, religion - if only through the eyes of an inexperienced Western observer, Richard.

While the story is a fiction, the historical circumstances are accurate. You'll be the best judge of whether Richard's interpretations are correct or not.

But this is not a history. Lebanon's bloody civil war is only the backdrop to this novel, providing a film noir context to a story of relationships. Relationships intensified by the outside events which drive the principal characters too close together for their own good.

The issues raised are existential. Where do I really belong? What is loyalty? Who can I trust, least of all myself? Is love just a form of self-gratification and expedience? Can I believe in anything?

Sounds gloomy? Well perhaps so, but there's plenty of fun to be had en route to tragedy. There's Monique's rooster impersonation, Lawrence's insane river journey, Richard's heroic exploits at the roulette table, and the answer to the language student's ultimate question - "What means mean?"

Fans of stories in dark international settings - by authors like Graham Greene or John le Carré - will feel right at home here.