Question:
The title *Tumult in Mecca* suggests it’s about Islam. Is it a book about religion?
Answer:
Religion plays a significant role in the story. The protagonist, Henrik Bertelsen, is an atheist, while his wife, Samantha, is Catholic. When they apply to adopt a child from Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim country, the adoption agency advises them to align their religious affiliation, as atheism might not be well-received in the donor country.
Henrik, an economist working for the Danish government, later becomes involved in a business project in Saudi Arabia, a country deeply influenced by religion. There, he has to navigate a culture where the dominant religious values often conflict with his own moral beliefs.
Henrik’s journey reflects a challenge many people face—balancing the pursuit of personal happiness and success while coexisting with others who hold vastly different worldviews. It raises important questions about how much we’re willing to compromise our principles and how flexible we can be in such situations.
Curious and adventurous, Henrik embraces new experiences and approaches these cultural differences with an open mind. In 1979, he finds himself immersed in Saudi Arabia’s business environment, a country governed by Sharia law and undergoing a controversial modernization effort, which faces opposition from religious authorities.
Henrik faces a moral dilemma. On one hand, he worries that his work may support a regime that oppresses its citizens, particularly women. On the other hand, he hopes his involvement might help push the country toward a more modern and free society. Although he’s unfamiliar with the Quran and struggles to understand Sharia law, the business opportunities and financial rewards keep him engaged.
Henrik’s story in Saudi Arabia reflects broader dilemmas we all face—balancing personal gain with ethical concerns while navigating different cultures and belief systems.
Question:
You’re a Danish author. Are your books relevant to an American audience?
Answer:
Most of my books sell well in the USA, which is by far my largest market. However, those books are nonfiction, covering topics like international business development in the software industry. I also wrote a business biography about Navision, Microsoft’s first billion-dollar acquisition outside the USA.
As for *The Henrik Bertelsen Saga*, of which *Tumult in Mecca* is the first book, it likely appeals most to Americans interested in business, international affairs, and exploring different cultures.
Henrik is a husband, father of two adopted children, a musician in a rock band, and an international businessman in the rapidly changing computer industry. Balancing these roles is challenging, especially with external events constantly disrupting his plans.
Having worked with American companies, travelled extensively in the U.S., and having relatives in several states, I believe many Americans can relate to Henrik and his wife, Samantha. The pursuit of happiness and well-being is never straightforward, and finding peace of mind in a constantly changing world is a challenge most people face, especially those striving to reach the top of Maslow’s pyramid.
Question:
Your nonfiction writing has been successful. Why did you start writing fiction?
Answer:
I have stories to tell, and I love telling them. Plus, I’m good at it.
Writing books allows me to create rich, nuanced stories. Readers expect to spend hours immersing themselves in the world I unfold, and I enjoy fulfilling that expectation.
I’m also at a point in my life where I want to control my own time and destiny. Being an author and publisher offers me the ultimate freedom. I can write what I want, when I want, and wherever I want. It fits perfectly with my love of travel.
That said, I don’t write just for myself. I’m ambitious about reaching a broad audience, which is why I do interviews like this.
Question:
Do your books convey messages, and if so, what are they?
Answer:
Indirectly, yes, they carry several messages.
Henrik and Samantha both pursue full-time careers while raising two adopted children. Anyone with kids will recognize the challenges of managing that balance. They make some fundamental life choices that make it possible—you’ll have to read the book to find out what those are!
Henrik takes significant financial risks, and many of his ventures fail. But living in Denmark, these failures never threaten the family’s well-being. The Scandinavian model, with its universal healthcare, free education, and strong social security, helps him bounce back.
A key message throughout the books is that taking responsibility for your failures is crucial to learning and personal growth. This idea aligns with Stoicism, a philosophy I strongly support.
I also designed Samantha as Henrik’s wife and life coach. At the same time, Henrik encourages Samantha to pursue her professional potential, even when they could afford for her not to work. He does this partly for selfish reasons—he wants a life partner who shares as many of his experiences as possible, including work-related ones.
Question:
There are countless books out there. What makes yours stand out?
Answer:
“The Henrik Bertelsen Saga” is unique. “Tumult in Mecca” and the seven books that follow are the only novels written by me, so they naturally stand out in that sense!
More seriously, I believe they’re different because the universe I create touches on many aspects of life.
Initially, I referred to them as business novels because they focus on Henrik’s professional life. I’ve since stopped using that label because it confused people—some thought they were textbooks!
Publishers often categorize books in ways that don’t resonate with readers. I prefer to compare my work to that of well-known authors with similar themes. If you enjoy Ken Follett, Jan Guillou, Jeffrey Archer, Ken Kesey, or Wilbur Smith, you’ll likely enjoy *Tumult in Mecca*. It’s also a good fit for fans of biographies and contemporary history.
And yes, it’s based on a true story—as they say.
Question:
“Tumult in Mecca” was originally written in Danish, and much of it takes place in Denmark. How does the English version differ from the Danish?
Answer:
I had to rewrite certain parts for an international audience. Coming from a small country, there are places, institutions, and historical references that only locals would understand. Other than that, the foreign language versions are essentially identical.
Question:
The story in “Tumult in Mecca” feels very realistic. Is it autobiographical?
Answer:
The short answer is no.
The book falls under the genre of autofiction. This means it’s based on autobiographical elements, but the events, institutions, and characters may be fictional.
Readers will find the historical framework to be as accurate as possible, but within that framework, the characters move through fictional events. Still, nothing in the book is beyond the realm of possibility.
Question:
Can you give a brief summary of the book?
Answer:
“Tumult in Mecca” takes place in the second half of 1979.
The protagonist, Henrik Bertelsen, is a civil servant in the Ministry of Labour in Copenhagen, dealing with Denmark’s major economic issues. During a slow summer period, Henrik gets involved in a business venture in Saudi Arabia with his older brother, Jakob. They’re mistakenly invited to bid on a project to renovate and run five hospital kitchens near Mecca for 10 years.
Although neither knows much about hospital kitchens, they successfully complete the project, impressing the Saudis and getting invited to work on more ventures. Drawn by the money and adventure, they continue, but soon realize that the cultural and business conditions in Saudi Arabia are very different from Denmark. With their full-time jobs back home, they decide to step back from the projects—but it’s not that simple.
Meanwhile, as Denmark prepares for an election, Henrik is offered a job at a major American computer company. The role doesn’t fit his career plans, but the salary increase is tempting, especially as he and his wife, Samantha, are in the process of adopting a child from Indonesia.
On a later trip to Saudi Arabia, Henrik and Jakob are invited to bid on a project at the University of Mecca. However, as non-Muslims, they’re not allowed to enter the city. After some negotiations, this issue is resolved, and on an early November morning in 1979, just before sunrise, they stand on a hill outside the Grand Mosque, waiting for the morning prayer to begin. It’s the first day of the 14th century in the Muslim calendar, and excitement is in the air.
Then, all hell breaks loose.
I won’t say what then happens, but it’s quite an adventure!
