Barbara M. reviewed on 4/3/2019 + 152 more book reviews

I got this book through a book club I just joined--it will be discussed at the April meeting. It's a slim book--262 pages, including the Epilogue and A Note from Doaa (the main character)--so I read it in three days. I knew that things in Syria have been bad but this book explains in more detail all the things that the Syrian people have had to handle, whether they decide to stay in Syria or leave.

The writing seemed very "clinical" (which is why I'm giving it three stars)--there was little in the way of description. For example, Doaa's family ended up moving a few times and on at least a couple of occasions, the new digs were described as "filthy." More skilled writers would give a vivid description of the surroundings--i.e., yellowed, peeling wallpaper, tattered curtains, etc.--which would draw the reader into the story. I've read most of the reviews and many of them--including five-star ones--note that the writing could be better. I googled the author and this book is apparently her first, which might explain the flatness in the prose.

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