In the Land of the Pure is a geopolitical thriller set in Pakistan, the only Muslim country to possess an atomic bomb which worries the Western governments and secret services. Could one of the terrorist groups in the country use it to threaten the world at large? Anne le Guennec, a French woman reporter is sent to investigate these strategic questions. She discovers a beautiful and complex country quite different from the image it has outside. Alongside feudalism and obscurantism, she finds the country to be modern and sophisticated – with its art galleries, theatres, fashion shows and cafes. Not exactly the black hole populated by bearded men and veiled women that is portrayed to the world. She also discovers the ‘great game’ of the 21st century – a muffled yet ferocious conflict between the United States and China for supremacy in this region – at the crossroads of the principal petroleum routes and rich in rare metals. During her investigations, Anne meets colourful characters – an intrepid old begum, a dancer and activist for women’s rights and also Karim, an ambiguous theatre man who fascinates her. But while she seeks to penetrate fundamentalist groups and obtain an interview with a leader, she falls into a death trap. Will the mysterious Karim be abe to save her? Karim who loves Pakistan madly and keeps a dangerous secret.