This multigenerational novel begins in 1963 and continues until 2014, with an undated epilogue. With war frequently in the background, the setting shifts among Palestine, Yemen, Jordan, Lebanon, and USA. These changes are mostly signaled by chapter headings: each chapter has a character named as its focus  as well as its date. Flashbacks within chapters are mostly signaled clearly. There is a family tree at the beginning in case the reader has to put the book down and forgets relationships, though I didn't need it often. Everyone listed doesn't get a chapter, and  gradually two become the main focus, Alia and Atef. Their development and relationship dominates the work even when they are background characters in another character's vignette. Early in the novel the reader is given two questions: What disaster did Salma read in her daughter Alia's coffee grounds? What is the burden Atef carries? Both are resolved satisfactorily. And I found resolutions of their conflicts (within and between) satisfying. The ending is stunning, innovative, believable, and well executed.

I think to say more would give away too much. I highly recommend the novel.