1. Jaubert is a self proclaimed super-spy and master of deception which leaves you wondering whether he is also deceiving the reader. To read Jaubert’s account you would believe that he was a totally blameless victim of a significant conspiracy brought about by a corrupt regime. He leaves no doubt that he is angry and vindictive to the point that he studiously avoids mentioning anything good about Dubai. I have run a luxury submarine company for the past 16 years and also lived in, and did business in, Dubai. My perspective is totally different. I know Sultan bin Sulayem and others in the book and I don’t believe for one moment that the author was a blameless victim. The simple fact is that Jaubert had practically unlimited resources to build a successful submarine company and his benefactors were relying on his expertise to make the business successful. Instead, it was a dismal failure that never sold ANY product. Jaubert’s benefactors felt embarrassed, manipulated and swindled, and indeed, Jaubert was the architect of his own demise. And, he should have known better. History is replete with examples of ambient pressure sub companies going out of business, sometimes repeatedly. A true submarine resists the hydrostatic forces of the ocean and the passenger compartment remains at surface pressure irrespective of the diving depth. Jaubert built glorified diver delivery vehicles that exposed the occupants to the same physiological effects as divers, and so the maximum diving depth was limited to 140 feet and hazards such as air embolism and decompression sickness are constant possibilities. In some countries, including the U.S., commercial use of these vehicles to carry non-divers is banned. The bottom line is that no matter how fancy you try to make them, the vehicles that Jaubert built were dangerous and the market, extremely limited.

   If you believe the story, it makes an interesting read, although the writing is barely average. However, it does do a great disservice to Dubai while unjustly glorifying the writer.
   Rating: 3 / 5

2. When I first read in the paper about this book coming out I was both intrigued and skeptical. I have exposed some fakes pretending to be navy SEALs, CIA agents, etc. and this author’s background sounded a little suspicious. When I found out he lived only about 40 miles from me I arranged to meet him at his house. In addition to his spy claims he claims to be a scuba diver, skydiver, and engineer. I am not a spy but I am a scuba diver, skydiver, and engineer. I spent about two hours with him, both talking and looking over the equipment that he used during his escape. He KNOWS what he is talking about. I took his book home from that meeting and devoured it. It has a few typos and aukward passages (his native language is French) but it is a very inciteful and interesting read. I only hope that they make a movie out of it.
   Rating: 5 / 5

3. What an incredible, eye-opening story! We journey with Jaubert as his submarine business falters after several hurricanes strike. Making a new start, he enters a business venture which requires him and his family to move to Dubai and which eventually holds them prisoner there. Eventually, he comes to realize that he has been set up. When he is unable to navigate through legitimate channels to free himself and his family, he takes a more dangerous route. The story that follows is nothing short of real-life mission impossible.

   This book uncovers some amazing and frightening facts about the way the country is run that will make you think twice before putting yourself in a similar situation. It will no doubt make enemies of those it exposes. This is a true story and one worth knowing.
   
   Rating: 5 / 5

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