12/8/2024 update:

This book is amazing upon second reading. It’s a gorgeously written book and the vignette style works when discussing a multigenerational family. Alyan offers Arab characters that aren’t tropes and each character has moments to shine. Thoroughly enjoyed it this time. 

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This is one of those books that shouldn’t be rushed. Take your time and enjoy every chapter. Savor the writing and the places the author takes you. 

The novel is about upper middle class Arabs surviving through some of the Middle East’s most recent wars, starting in Palestine in the 60s. The story spans four generations and felt more like vignettes of each time, updating the narrator on the family’s happenings. 

The writing is beautiful and the author opens up the worldview of the Middle East and Arab life to the reader which may not be known. As earlier mentioned, we’re dealing with pretty well to do people so they witness more of the suffering around them than participate in it. While they aren’t always active in it, the effects of the region are shown even at their level. Sure they have means and do alright, but they still lose a lot. They still have to find a way to survive. 

Overall though, really beautiful and lovely for a slice of life type book.