Hope You Are Satisfied: a sharp satire exploring privilege, immigration and gender, with a touch of espionage

** THE WHITE LOTUS meets BELOW DECK in this astute social satire exploring privilege, immigration and gender – with a touch of espionage **

Hope You Are Satisfied welcomes you to Dubai as you've never seen it before...

1990. Twenty-five-year-old Riya works for Discover Arabia, a tour guide company in the far-flung outpost of Dubai. In the months leading up to the first Gulf War, the city's iconic skyline and global reputation are just a gleam in developers' eyes. For Riya, it's a desert purgatory that spreads out between her family back home in India and her unknown future.

As political tensions run high, international arms dealers, American soldiers, CIA consultants, corrupt bosses and wayward vacationers all compete for Discover Arabia's attention. Meanwhile, Riya and her colleagues begin to plan their exit strategies.

Will a favour from Dubai's most notorious fixer offer Riya the chance to fulfil her financial obligations and escape to the United States?

Perfect for fans of American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson and The Club by Ellery Lloyd, Hope You Are Satisfied unravels timely political themes through the lens of 1990s Dubai and undoes the ‘guest worker’ stereotype one tequila shot at a time.

'Exuberant, thrilling, and compassionate to the last page, Malik's sun-soaked novel is a testament to the power of friendships forged far from home' - Leigh N. Gallagher, author of Who You Might Be

'Full of hedonism and intrigue, this fast-paced novel is a historical snapshot that proves to be chillingly relevant' - Stephanie Feldman, author of Saturnalia

'Set in the '90s as the world teeters on the precipice of Desert Storm, Malik brings her cast of characters skillfully to life, then introduces a smart mousetrap of a plot that keeps the pages turning at breakneck pace. A truly absorbing read!' - Suzanne Rindell, author of The Other Typist

'A compelling novel which combines an espionage thriller, adventure story, and workplace satire, featuring a heroine you can't help but root for as she goes for the opportunity of a lifetime. A sharp and original read' - Kathy Wang, author of Impostor Syndrome

'A beautifully written, suspenseful story filled with wonder that blossoms despite the looming threat of war. I loved it' - Gabrielle Korn, author of Everybody (Else) is Perfect

© 2025 Verve Books (Rafbók): 9780857308924

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Rafbók: 13 februari 2025