Zarah the Cruel

"Zarah the Cruel" by Joan Conquest is a story set in the Arabian desert concerning Zarah, the strong-willed daughter of an outlaw sheikh, and the trials shaped by her upbringing and striking beauty. The novel centers upon themes of power, ambition, and the struggles between clashing cultures, all viewed through Zarah's interactions and growth as she navigates the challenges of her heritage, which is both Arabian and Spanish; this duality, combined with her wild spirit, sparks fear and reverence, especially in her resentful associate, Yussuf. Initial plot points recount the legend of the Mountains of Death oasis and also chronicle Mohammed-Abd and Yussuf's dramatic escape from enemies, leading to their desert stronghold and Zarah's birth. The rising conflicts surrounding Zarah's cruelty and her hunger for control threaten to disrupt the delicate peace of their community and will guide a difficult path for her as she attempts to seize power.