Author: Hala Alyan
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Overview:
A family saga that spans Lebanon, Syria, the United States, and beyond, exploring how personal and national histories intertwine.
Praised as a compelling blend of a family story and a reflection on the legacy of war in the Middle East.
Plot Highlights:
The story follows the Nasr family, who are scattered across the globe—Beirut, Brooklyn, Austin, and the California desert.
Their roots are in Beirut, a constant symbol of home amidst migration and change.
The death of the family patriarch, Idris, prompts a trip back to Beirut, where the family confronts secrets, past passions, and the fight to save their ancestral home.
Themes include migration, family love, secrets, jealousy, shame, and the impact of war and political tension on personal lives.
Set against the backdrop of Beirut’s complex political and social landscape, the novel explores how history and personal lives collide.