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THE FOREIGN AIDE

Beirut, 1975.

New arrivals in the city, British couple Richard and Claire Devine fall under the spell of charismatic American journalist Lawrence Anderson and his captivating Palestinian girlfriend, Monique.

In those thrilling early days, even the outbreak of factional violence across the city feels exhilarating. The world is watching—but the four friends remain safe, expatriate observers of somebody else’s war.

As the fighting intensifies, so do their relationships and desires—until one of them feels betrayed.

In a moment their safety is shattered, their alliance broken.

And they discover that in civil war, there are no civilians.

— — —

If you enjoy internationally set novels by writers such as Graham Greene, John le Carré, and William Boyd, you’ll probably feel right at home here.

Start reading 'The Foreign Aide' now
Front cover for 'The Foreign Aide' by Alan Miles. A crescent moon shines in an evening sky. In the foreground, in shadow, an Arab shisha pipe. Behind the outline of a city, smoking. At the bottom, a tagline: 'Who can you trust in love and war?'

‘The Foreign Aide’ will be published in print and digital editions in June. But you can read the opening chapters here. And if you then want the whole book right now, join my Advance Reader team for a free review copy.

THE MARATHON YEARS

This is a personal memoir, the story of our decade-long battle defying dementia after my wife Lena was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimers in 2013. A story that shows how love and hope can survive even in the darkest times. An experience that has helped me to shape a radical new approach to adult social care.

My plan is to publish the book in early December 2026, but you can read the early chapters here.

Start reading 'The Marathon Years' now
The Marathon Years cover - Lena and Alan Miles happy together, but one of them has dementia
A woman reading a newspaper called 'Book Review'
READERS ARE SAYING ...
eCapris (Goodreads)on 'Waiting For Orders'
I read through the first quarter of 'Waiting for Orders' without knowing what I was in for. Well played, Mr. Miles. As soon as I reached that sentence (that hinge, that sentence that makes you stop short and go "Wait a second..."), I had to click back and make sure I hadn't gone mentally astray at some point.

I hadn't. The story goes somewhere I never would have expected, an intellectual space that is usually reserved for children and romantic picnickers. But not here - 'Waiting for Orders' readers are allowed a little brainplay.
Tim (Goodreads)on 'The Foreign Aide'
The Lebanese Troubles (=the original title of 'The Foreign Aide) Impressive work! The author pulled no punches and did not give in to a shred of sentimentality. I've never been to Beirut, but I remember the coverage of the seemingly endless civil war there in the late 70s and 80s, the destruction of the city, the famous Green Line. From the perspective of an outsider observer, Miles captured some of the hopelessness and violence of that conflict and displayed it, not only in describing the environment of the city and its citizens but also in the tortured psyche of Richard. Well done.
Liz Matthews (via Miles Posts)on 'The Marathon Years'
Alan, this is the first time I found you. I wanted to tell you that your writing is both sensitive and insightful — a rare combination indeed.
Rod Raglan (Goodreads)on 'The Lebanese Troubles' now retitled as 'The Foreign Aide'
This book is well written and the description of Beirut is terrific, the setting becomes a character onto itself and a significant one. The description of war – mostly boring then suddenly deadly, sounds authentic as are the attitudes of the civilians – coping, waiting and hoping it will end when it only gets worse, much worse.

Characters are fully developed from the oily and smooth Amin, the impatient and practical Dave, the seductress Monique, the proper English Claire, and the adventurous larger than life Lawrence.

But this gritty and authentic book has one flaw - a weak and unlikeable protagonist.
Retha Groenewald (via Miles Posts)on 'The Marathon Years'
I read one of your chapters. I want to follow your journey. It took me back to some of my memories. They say a picture paints a thousand words. Your words paint galleries.
eCapris (Goodreads)on 'Waiting for Orders'
in the opening pages, Miles suggests that the reader mentally narrate the story with the voice of young Jack Nicholson. I have never, in all my reading life, been issued such a suggestion (for any voice, let alone one so particular), but listen here - it was a great time!

I found myself chuckling at chunks of dialogue I might not have found as humorous if I didn't have that voice drawling its way around my skull. Also, thinking about young Jack Nicholson somehow made me feel that this short story, published in 2010, was somehow classic! Neat trick.

And the ending! Boy, I didn't see that coming either. It ended rather abruptly for my taste; I wanted more! The quick-draw ending doesn't soften the piece, though. It just leaves the reader itching for more Miles.
Clare (via Goodreads)on 'The Foreign Aide'
The writing was definitely my favourite part of the Lebanese Troubles (= the original title of 'The Foreign Aide'). It was a visual experience; I felt like I was actually there, in Lebanon, facing all the dangers of civil war along with the characters.

One thing I will note is that the dialogue does not use quotation marks, but dashes, which I believe is more of a French thing. There were no 'he saids' or 'she saids' — which you think could get confusing, but it doesn’t. The dialogue was so good that you could tell who was speaking by the way they were talking.

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