The Empty Quarter

by David Marion Wilkinson

There are many ways for a young man to go to hell when trying to find himself. Logan Wilson knows. Deadended in Texas, about to lose his fianc e Caitlin, Logan has impulsively committed himself to... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0965187926
• ISBN13: 9780965187923
• Release Date: October 1998
• Publisher: New Harbinger Publications
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.5" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Tension-filled and conflict-driven narrative rings true!

I read this straight through, when it first came out, on non-stop flight from Houston to Seattle. I couldn't put it down. It's that good because it comes straight from David's heart and from his own personal experiences in the oil patch and because he skillfully crafts a spell-binding story that goes beyond a personal memoir. It's wrought with the universal themes of trust, faith and comittment (to name a few). David Wilkinson takes the reader on a fast-paced journey through the eyes of his main character Logan, from Austin to the god-foresaken desert known as The Empty Quarter. There, Logan finds himself as he engages the Arabian desert's ocean of oil with a drilling crew that's made up of the real-life characters you still find in the oil business. I felt like I was there! Moreover, there's some real first-rate writing here that reminds one of Conrad and Hemingway. I hope to see a follow-up to this one from David Wilkinson.

Exciting, entertaining, credible read

This excellent thriller set in the uninhabited desert of Saudi Arabia on a drilling rig tips you off right away that the writer has both been in the situation himself and done meticulous research. The book is packed with action and fascinating interaction, between men from various countries working for an American/Arabian oil company. There are constant clashes of culture, race, religion, nationality and personality in one of the most isolated situations possible, where the people involved are forced to work aas a team, no matter how they may feel about each other. I particularly enjoy fiction that teaches the reader something about a new subject, in this case oil and gas drilling. The author thoughtfully provided a picture of the works at the front of the book, with many of the parts labelled. Even though it is fiction, I would have also liked some kind of glossary of technical terms. But I sure can't fault the writing--this is one of those books I just blasted through without wanting to put down, and one I can't wait to lend to family and friends. Good books are made to share!

The Empty Quarter is not empty!

David Wilkinson has given the reader an insider's look at an industry that is about as politically incorrect as exist today. There is, however, no "holier than thou" preaching. Wilkinson's masterful storytelling pushes one effortlessly past any political position. It was wonderful to be caught up in the people as well as the plot. A must read.

A great story.

The Empty Quarter is a fascinating read. As much for Wilkinson's masterful depiction of the desert wasteland where he sets his story, as for the complex relationships between the characters he describes. The men who work on Momentum #127, Wilkinson's drilling rig in the barren Rub Al Khali desert of Saudi Arabia have all reached, in one way or another, the end of their own personal road. They are, to a man, a fascinating collection of characters. The Indian crew members are a joy to read about. The key relationship, between Logan and Strong is as richly complex as any I have read or seen. Wilkinson's writing rings with truth throughout this very fine novel. As finely detailed as his descriptions of rig life are, I believe Wilkinson's true strength lies in exposing the hearts of the men he writes about. And without beating the reader over the head, he lets us know what the real, human cost is for our modern, energy eating way of life. I happen to have read his first novel, "Not Between Brothers" and so thoroughly enjoyed it that I eagerly anticipated this book. It did not disappoint. I highly encourage readers to try this book. If it hasn't already happened, I can only imagine that some movie studio will snap this story up. There isn't anything like it around.

I never thought I'd enjoy a book about men and oil fields -

Who knew? If you are interested in the culture of the Middle East - presented in a way that's entertaining rather than boring; if you want confirmation that men working without the "benefit" of female companionship revert almost immediately; finally, if you never thought you'd be interested in how a drilling operation works - you should treat yourself to this book - I was amazed that I enjoyed it so much.