A spoiled Emirati rich girl, an Iranian asylum seeker in Amsterdam, a Liberian refugee seeking aid from a charity, a Ukrainian prostitute, a Danish sex trafficker, a Chinese gamer. Alizadeh's characters live on the edge of what is considered civilised society, often caught between East and West, in the web of global politics. Fresh and adventurous, this absorbing story cycle melds themes of love, exploration, globalisation, war and poverty, offering a provocative an panoramic view of contemporary life. Praise of Ali Alizadeh 'In starling vignettes, Alizadeh sketches assassins and prostitutes, writers and refugees, the victims and oppressors from all over the planet - and then reveals the invisible bonds linking them together and pushing them apart. Funny, angry and at times immensely moving, Transactions is a book unlike any other you'll read this year.' Jeff Sparrow 'Witty, energised and streetwise.' Weekend Australian 'Exceptional.' Sydney Morning Herald 'Great poetic skill.' Adelaide Review