The Arsonists’ City by Hala Alyan

Book Review

WHAT a book 🤩🤩🤩.

In this fantastic generational saga, author Hala Alyan combines historical fiction, family drama, politics and culture as she tells the story of the complicated and compelling Nasr family.

After the death of his father, Idris (a Lebanese surgeon living in California), makes the difficult decision to sell his childhood home in Beirut. Upon relaying this news to his wife and children, everyone has an opinion - as the house means something to each member of the family. What follows is an impromptu and emotion-filled family reunion at the house in Beirut.

The story alternates between two timelines - in the present day, we’re introduced to all three Nasr children who are each living very different lives across Brooklyn, Austin and Beirut. In the second timeline, we learn the history of the family’s matriarch, Manza, and the decisions, hardships and sacrifices she endures as she navigates war, love and loss. From a poor Syrian girl to a California housewife and mother, Manza’s life is one defined by longing, grief and ultimately, acceptance.

I absolutely loved every bit of this book. The character development is truly phenomenal and I found the cultural, political and historical aspects of the book incredibly enlightening.

Manza’s storyline felt quite reminiscent of Nahr’s character in Against the Loveless World (another incredible book!) - as both women struggle to deal with the circumstances they were born into and are determined to do whatever necessary to secure a better life. I also loved learning about each of the Nsar children and seeing their sibling dynamics play out when the family converges in Beirut.

If you enjoy historical fiction and/or a good generational saga, this is a must read! Not to mention, it does a fantastic job of shedding light on the politics between Syria, Lebanon and Palestine as well as the legacy of war in the Middle East.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5