I cherish the very few smart, witty, multi-dimensional older women who I encounter in my reading. (Even moreso when the "elderly" woman turns out to be older than, say, 55). Aaliya is all of that, and as a bonus she's an independent, self-sufficient reading-obsessed introvert. What's not to love? The book gently unpacks her strengths, weaknesses, and self-deceptions without making me love her any less. And in addition, the writing is gorgeous, full of gems that deserve more attention than I gave them on a first reading, and the portrait of Beruit as a city and culture is fascinating. This one's definitely a keeper.