Overall a fascinating novel with some very slow moments. It is definitely worth getting through the slow moments to get to the better parts, but I can't help but wonder if some of the slowness could have been eliminated. If I read it again, I'll ponder this.

The setting is early 20th century, Nablus to Montpelier, France to Paris and back to Nablus. WWI is the backdrop. It barely touches the characters, but there are a few comments about Midhat's country being aligned with Germany while he is in France. The post war background functions more vividly in the plot as various characters participate as parts of many factions. One sees people living the results of the divisions made at the end of WWI as new boundaries create new problems and there is resistance to both French and British Mandates. For those of us not versed in the history there is a listing of major events at the end, to which I frequently turned.

The omniscient narrator allows most of the novel to be told through Midhat's eyes, with occasional chapters giving others a spotlight and broadening the focus. Midhat is vividly drawn. Though occasionally self centered, he is generally likeable. His increasing awareness and eventual growth pull the plot along. Jamil and Hani, his friends, play contrasting roles, and they too are well developed, though not at first. The female characters are portrayed as strong women, which is refreshing.

I hope Hammad writes more novels.