Mosul, Iraq, in the 1940s is a teeming, multiethnic city where Arabs, Kurds, Assyrians, Jews, Aramaeans, Turkmens, Yazidis, and Syriacs mingle in the ancient souks and alleyways. In these crowded streets, among rich and poor, educated and illiterate, pious and unbelieving, a boy is growing up. Burdened with chores from an early age, and afflicted with an older brother who persecutes him with mindless sadism, the child finds happiness only in stolen moments with his beloved older sister and with friends in the streets. Closest to his heart are three girls, encountered by chance: a Muslim, a Christian, and a Jew. After enriching the boy's life immensely, all three meet tragic fates, leaving a wound in his heart that will not heal. A richly textured portrayal of Iraqi society before the upheavals of the late twentieth century, Saeed's novel depicts a sensitive and loving child assailed by the cruelty of life. Sometimes defeated but never surrendering, he is sustained by his city and its people.

About the Author
Mahmoud Saeed, a prominent Iraqi novelist, has written more than twenty novels and short story collections. Samuel Salter has lived and traveled in Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East. He has worked as a teacher and a translator. Zahra Jishi is a Lebanese public health practitioner who currently resides in Cleveland, Ohio. Rafah Abuinnab teaches Arabic at DePaul University.


Book Information
ISBN 9780815609919
Author Mahmoud Saeed
Format Paperback
Page Count 200
Imprint Syracuse University Press
Publisher Syracuse University Press
Weight(grams) 284g
Dimensions(mm) 185mm * 204mm * 14mm