The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri
 
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The Beekeeper of Aleppo Sunday Times Bestseller This is a novel of international significance. Courageous, provocative, haunting, it will open our eyes. - Heather Morris This book dips below the deafening headlines, and tells a true story with subtlety and power. - Esther Freud ...a beautiful novel, intelligent, thoughtful; and relevant. I'm recommending this book to everyone I care about. - Benjamin Zephaniah |
A read that champions the resilient human spirit. Fabulous. - Sunday Mirror
A harrowing adventure story that's informative as well as immersive. - Sunday Express
From the back of the book:
In the midst of war, he found loveIn the midst of darkness, he found courage
In the midst of tragedy, he found hope
What will you find from his story?
Nuri is a beekeeper; his wife, Afra, an artist. They live a simple life, rich in family and friends, in the beautiful Syrian city of Aleppo - until the unthinkable happens. When all they care for is destroyed by war, they are forced to escape.
As Nuri and Afra travel through a broken world, they must confront not only the pain of their own unspeakable loss, but dangers that would overwhelm the bravest of souls. Above all - and perhaps this is the hardest thing they face - they must journey to find each other again.
My Review: (5 / 5 stars)
This was a heartbreaking story that had me in tears from the start. The language was simple, but beautiful at the same time - allowing the details of this sad tale to come through. After the first few chapters, I managed to acclimatise a bit to the traumatising events that happened both back in their home country of Syria and then on their journey to the UK.
(Spoilers)
Once I got to the ending though, I really needed the cathartic reunion with {name) which I read through tears. Our book club discussed whether the characters were sympathetic because they were educated with money and whether the audience would have accepted them as generously if they were not. Although there were mixed views on this, I think that despite harrowing journey the couple went on, there were so many left behind in the story; so many that did not have the means to leave the horrible camp conditions; so many that were taken advantage of by predators seeing easy targets.
This book further opened my eyes to the plight of refugees and makes plain that we all shares a similar story no matter where we come from - love for family/friends and the desire to hope for a better future for everyone.