The long siege of Fort Jesus by the Omani Arabs between 1689 and 1698 is the setting for this remarkable historical reconstruction by Valerie Cuthbert. For the first time, this great set-piece of East African history comes fully alive as we join the varied inhabitants of the Fort in their horrific ordeal. Muslim and Christians, soldier and priest, lover and loved, African and Arab, all have their parts to play in this exciting story as the defenders of the Fort are smitten by plague, weakened by starvation and inspired by the bravery of their leaders.