A Traitor?

This novel cleverly satirizes the use of social media as political propaganda Excerpt taken from The Impeccable Integrity of Ruby R. by Moni Mohsin

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Two days later, Ruby’s summons arrived by text. Mr Saif Haq had invited Miss Ruby Rauf to his London office the next day at 4 p.m. to meet his team and discuss issues she had raised at their last meeting. Delighted to have been remembered, Ruby was nevertheless disappointed by the perfunctory tone of the text. But, she told herself, it was good that it was professional. It showed respect. The message gave a St John’s Wood address. When Ruby showed it to Kiran, across a small table they were sharing at Kiran’s favorite vegan restaurant, she frowned. ‘Acacia Road?’ she queried. ‘But that’s a street full of big family houses with SUVs parked outside. That’s his office?’ ‘That’s what it says.’

‘You sure, this isn’t a grand seduction scene that he’s luring you into?’ Kiran smiled mockingly. ‘Kiran!’ Ruby protested, flushing with secret pleasure. ‘Why would he seduce me?’ ‘Why not? What’s wrong with you? ‘It’s not like I’m some gorgeous model.’ Ruby was emphatically not model-like, but she was not without charm. What she lacked in stature and regularity of features she more than made up for with her dimpled smile and neat figure. In an unconscious reflex, she pulled her buoyant, curly hair over her ears. ‘Besides, he’s not like that.’ ‘Not if you believe Nadia,’ said Kiran. ‘Apparently, he’s been sending her suggestive texts.’