Hawala: Based on a True Story [Paperback]

Leo Teohari (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 30, 2004

December 1989: The world watched and accepted a lie while one of the most highly trained political machines assassinated its dictator. Yet the assassins, the dictator’s inner circle, rise from genocide promising to lead a torn nation to better times while creating diversion to hide their own crimes: selling arms, housing terrorists’ training camps, laundering money, selling children and stealing the country’s assets. Alec Popescu, defector from his birth country, returns in the post-Iron Curtain era bringing millions in investment for the new “Democratic” Romania. Yet, unknown to Popescu, his newfound stature and success threaten the power of the political elite. Blind-sided, he’s caught in a treacherous web. Framed by the government, arrest warrants are issued, Interpol notified. Newspapers carry the headlines. Popescu’s family members turn their backs and he finds himself a fugitive. Risking his life to clear his name, Alec uncovers bigger political crimes as he battles against the fierce KGB-educated Communists, Romania’s Central Bank and the Italian mafia.

Product Details

• Paperback: 302 pages
• Publisher: PublishAmerica (August 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1413727239
• ISBN-13: 978-1413727234
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,743,307 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars An Important Lesson in Recent History, Politics, Perseverance., December 24, 2005

By 

J.H.S. (Toronto, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hawala: Based on a True Story (Paperback)

Leo Teohari's Hawala has all the making of a taut political thriller - Corruption, Espionage, Totalitarianism, the Mafia. Its target: Post-Ceausescu Romania where there existed only two types of politicians-the incapable and those capable of anything, including crimes against humanity. Out of the flames of hope for a country's future comes Hawala's main character, Alec Popescu. Alec's story contains remnants of a modern day King Lear - A single man who finds himself in a whirlwind that he simultaneously fostered and quickly becomes a victim to. It is this personal story that sets Hawala apart from other novels of this genre. Unfolding through the eyes and heart of its protagonist, Alec's story ultimately manages to balance warm, hopeful humanity with the cold, oppressive backdrop of a political regime who treats its people as disposable pawns.

Leo Teohari's story reads as a personal testament to survival and perseverance. His is an important story - a lesson in seemingly forgotten recent history that should never be ignored. Given Hawala's political, social and historical ramifications do not be surprised if you see this story translated on the big screen and coming to a theatre near you.

I eagerly await the follow-up.

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read, March 6, 2005

By 

Howard (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hawala: Based on a True Story (Paperback)

This was a great book if you like thrillers dealing with corruption, big crime and cover up. It's up to date with what's going on in the world. In the end you just want justice. I hope the courts in the real life story are listening!

5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting and unbelievable story. Couldn't put it down., October 18, 2004

By 

D. Lee (Medford, NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hawala: Based on a True Story (Paperback)

This was such a good book - but the fact that it was based on a true story is incredible. It had everything - action, love, mafia, betrayal. It left you wanting more story. I found this book because it was recommended by a friend. And I agree. Highly recommended - entertaining.