Today we’re welcoming Author Gordon Zuckerman and featuring the first book in his new series Pushing Back the Desert: Operation Ajax. We had the pleasure of reading a book by him last year so we were delighted when he said yes to letting us interview him.
*Affiliate links are used in this article. The Mystery Review Crew is an Amazon Affiliate and as such earns from qualifying purchases. See our privacy policy and disclosures for more information.
About Gordon Zuckerman
From June 1963, following the author’s graduation from the Harvard Business School, until April 2005, when he sold his Resort Hotel company, Mr. Zuckerman enjoyed the privilege of working for forty-two years as a entrepreneurial problem solver during what many people regard as the Golden Age of American Commerce.
Throughout this period he was responsible for creating cattle feeding companies, student housing companies, a national joint-venture real estate investment company, and a resort hotel company. Through-out his career he would witness, hear, or become aware of major events that appeared to have a significant influence over people’s lives, some positive and some not so beneficial.
Provided with the free time of retirement, Mr. Zuckerman has concentrated his attention on researching contemporary events, the consequences of which, have been instrumental on peoples’ lives. He has concluded, while the history of free enterprise is clearly dominated by the many stories of high-minded success where the resources made available were organized to “Push Back the Desert”, and situations where the resources were misdirected and manipulated in the pursuit of self-serving agendas, frequently achieved at the public’s expense.
Interview With Gordon Zuckerman
Gordon Zuckerman is the author of four published historical fiction novels. In this interview, we discuss his latest book Pushing Back the Desert: Operation Ajax. Zuckerman touches on the overarching theme of concentrated wealth and its potential for abuse, drawing on the historical event of Operation Ajax. In Pushing Back the Desert, Zuckerman explores the intricacies of Iranian history and culture, highlighting the nation’s evolution and the impact of external forces. In this interview, Zuckerman also sheds light on his character development process, emphasizing his penchant for crafting strong, principled individuals inspired by real-life figures. Our conversation concludes with a glimpse into his writing philosophy, which centers around weaving together historical lessons with compelling human narratives.
What inspired you to write about Operation Ajax and the 1953 Iranian coup? How did you conduct your research on the historical aspects of the novel?
My inspiration came from my desire to explore the consequences of concentrated wealth and influence. I immersed myself in extensive research, reading numerous books to ensure accuracy. I aimed to showcase the beauty of Iranian culture and its people, separate from the political turmoil. Personal relationships with Iranian immigrants who have made significant contributions to the United States further fueled this portrayal. My appreciation for Iranian history and its diverse subcultures influenced my decision to interweave historical narratives with personal stories, creating a more engaging exploration of this complex period.
How did you go about creating the characters in the New Sentinels? Are any of them based on real people involved in the events?
My process for creating characters involves drawing upon various inspirations, including personal experiences and historical figures. After establishing the narrative structure, I develop composite characters based on individuals I’ve encountered, admired, or researched. A notable example is Harsham Naragi, inspired by a real person I met in California. While I draw inspiration from real individuals, the characters are ultimately composites, synthesizing elements from various sources to create fictional individuals who effectively serve the narrative’s themes and objectives.
The central theme of the book is about the duty to the greater good and the personal cost of fighting evil. How did you approach writing about these complex moral dilemmas?
In approaching these complex moral dilemmas, I focused on exploring the potential for concentrated wealth and influence to be used irresponsibly. I cultivated an admiration for individuals who embody strong, principled leadership and demonstrate a commitment to responsible action. By centering the narrative on historical events like Operation Ajax, I delved into the complexities of power dynamics and moral quandaries arising from systemic abuses of power. My approach involved presenting multifaceted characters whose struggles and decisions illuminate broader themes of duty, sacrifice, and moral responsibility, aiming to engage readers in a thoughtful examination of these enduring ethical questions.
Can you tell us more about the utopian community of farmers in the story? What role do they play in the broader narrative?
The utopian community of farmers in my story draws inspiration from land reclamation efforts in Israel, transforming arid desert into arable terrain. This community plays a pivotal role by embodying an alternative model to exploitative practices, contrasting with the negative consequences of actions like Operation Ajax. I perceive this community as a powerful exemplar of positive change, juxtaposing their approach with less beneficial models. Their dedication to humanitarian efforts and responsible agribusiness practices represents the potential for constructive societal transformation, embodying values of self-sufficiency, responsible land management, and creating opportunities for marginalized populations.
How do you think the events of Operation Ajax resonate with contemporary global politics and the current geopolitical climate?
Operation Ajax offers profound insights into contemporary global politics, with several themes continuing to shape our geopolitical landscape. The struggle for resource control, use of covert operations and public manipulation, the fragility of democracy, corporate influence in geopolitics, and the humanitarian consequences of interventions all find parallels in current international relations. These resonances are evident in ongoing resource competitions, election interference, the rise of authoritarianism, debates about corporate accountability, and discussions on the human cost of geopolitical conflicts. The event’s legacy underscores the enduring relevance of these issues in shaping global events and the importance of considering their impact on ordinary people.
Did writing this book change your perspective on any historical events or contemporary issues? If so, how?
Writing this book reinforced and deepened my convictions regarding the potential malignancy of concentrated wealth and influence. Operation Ajax served as a poignant example of this misuse, while the utopian farming community crystallized my appreciation for responsible initiatives. Through the writing process, I developed a deeper understanding of how historical events inform present issues, particularly in terms of power dynamics, resource allocation, and social justice. My approach to combining historical lessons with personal narratives evolved, recognizing its power to make history more engaging. Ultimately, the book reinforced my belief in the triumph of justice and the crucial role of responsible leadership in effecting positive change.
How do you develop and bring your characters to life? Are they ever inspired by real people or experiences?
My character development process draws upon diverse inspirations, including personal encounters, historical figures, and extensive research. I begin by establishing the narrative structure and identifying key roles, then create composite characters synthesizing traits from various sources. For instance, Harsham Naragi was inspired by a real person I met, but evolved into a unique fictional construct. I strive to imbue each character with an authentic voice, shaped by imagined experiences and historical context. My evolving understanding of complex themes, such as power dynamics, inevitably influences character motivations and actions. Essentially, my characters emerge from a confluence of real-world inspirations and creative imagination, crafted to serve the narrative while offering insights into the human experience within specific historical contexts.
What sources of inspiration do you draw upon when crafting your stories? Are there particular life experiences that influence your writing?
My creative process draws upon a diverse array of inspirations, including historical events, personal encounters, and societal observations. Historical occurrences like Operation Ajax provide rich contextual backdrops for exploring complex themes. Personal experiences, such as interactions with Iranian immigrants, inform authentic portrayals of cultures and individuals. My ongoing intellectual journey shapes my approach to themes like responsible leadership and the potential for positive change. Everyday life observations often serve as seeds for character development or plot points. Ultimately, my writing synthesizes meticulous historical research, personal experiences, and keen observation of the human condition, aiming to create narratives that both entertain and provoke thought about historical and contemporary issues.
Do you have a favorite character that you’ve created? What makes this character particularly special to you?
Harsham Naraghi holds particular significance for me. He embodies a harmonious blend of innovation and cultural respect, merging ancient wisdom with modern technology to transform arid lands into fertile zones. What truly distinguishes Harsham is his unwavering commitment to humanitarian ideals, using his innovations to improve lives. His strong familial connections and partnership with his wife add depth to his character. Harsham represents a confluence of qualities I deeply admire – innovation tempered by tradition, technology driven by compassion, and personal ambition aligned with societal betterment. Through his character, I explore themes of cultural bridging, sustainable development, and the balance between progress and preservation, issues I find particularly relevant in our interconnected world.
How do you envision the future of literature and storytelling, and how do you see yourself contributing to it?
I envision a future for literature where historical narratives interweave seamlessly with compelling personal stories, making the past more accessible to contemporary readers. My contribution involves crafting narratives that bridge historical fact and engaging fiction, populated by multifaceted characters inspired by real individuals. I focus on themes of responsible leadership and the impact of concentrated wealth and power, which I believe will remain relevant. My approach aims to be interdisciplinary, drawing connections between historical events, contemporary issues, and potential future scenarios. By doing so, I strive to not only entertain but also provoke thought, foster empathy, and encourage a deeper understanding of our shared human experience across time and cultures.
If your latest book were to be adapted into a movie or TV show, who would you cast in the lead roles?
If my latest work were adapted for the screen, I envision a cast that could bring depth and authenticity to the characters, though my ideal choices draw from a past generation of actors. For Harsham, I’d love someone with the strong, powerful presence of John Wayne. I know, I know, he’s not exactly contemporary, but that’s the kind of commanding screen presence I envision for Harsham. He’s this innovative, principled character who’s really driving the story forward, so we need someone who can convey that strength and determination. For the Red Queen – that’s Harsham’s wife, by the way – I’m thinking of Marino Herrera. She’s got to be this strong female character who’s deeply involved in education and medicine, really making the humanitarian efforts successful. Marino could bring that perfect blend of intelligence and compassion to the role. I’d cast Gene Peters as Sally Raphael. And for another key role, I think Anthony Quinn would be perfect. He’s got that versatility to really bring a complex character to life. Now, I realize all these actors are no longer with us, so this is purely hypothetical. But it gives you an idea of the kind of presence and charisma I envision for these characters. If we were really making this movie today, we’d need to find some modern-day equivalents who could capture that same spirit. But hey, a guy can dream, right? Maybe we could use some of that fancy CGI to bring these classic actors back to the screen!
Read our Book Review of Fortunes of War by Gordon Zuckerman
About Book 1 of the New Sentinels Series
A historically accurate work of fiction. This is the first book in the Zuckerman’s 2nd trilogy.
During the turbulent late 1950s (Eisenhower Era), the New Sentinels are called upon to reveal a hidden plot (Operation Ajax) to topple Iran’s Parliamentary Government, reinstate the exiled Shah, and take over Iran’s oil industry, the fourth-largest in the world.
When British and American oil interests secretly orchestrate a coup to seize control of Iran’s oil fields in 1953, a small group of humanitarian visionaries and conscientious allies must conduct a high-stakes underground operation to protect a utopian community of farmers and foil the world powers’ greedy ambitions.
WHAT IS ONE’S DUTY TO THE GREATER GOOD?
If you’re born into the power, resources, and ability to fight evil in the world, is it your responsibility to do so?
The easy answer seems to be, yes… but what if you knew it would cost you your family? If you knew you would always live in fear? If it would more likely cost you your life?
This is the central thematic question at the heart of Sentinels interwoven into the subtext throughout the series.
Our heros will struggle with their call to duty, have their resolve galvanized, and face uncertainty in their choices, ultimately finding an answer to this question in the end.
