Oh this book...

Where do I even start? 

I knew reading this book would bring back memories of visiting Syria back in 2004. How much has changed since then. I vividly remember the days I spent in Damascus, including the street right in front of our hotel and how it ran all the way down to the shrine of Bibi Zaynab. I remember seeing pictures of this same street after the shrine was bombed.

This book is a work of art, just like Layla's painting. The writing drew me in immediately. It was haunting, heartbreaking, yet hopeful. The glimpses of Salama's life before the war were probably my favourite because it's not what you see in the media at all. People assume the Middle East has been war torn for decades, and as a result they aren't shocked at all when there is a bombing or an attack anywhere, because it's something that's considered "normal". Seeing what life was like before and the moments of happiness that still exist despite the threats of bombs and sniper attacks was beautifully done. It reminded me of my trip to Syria. While very different from Canada, there was a sense of peace there that I have yet to experience in Canada. 

Salama working at the hospital and seeing the things she goes through during a regular shift were horrifying. Especially as a nurse now, with the paediatric surge we're seeing in hospitals, I kept being reminded of how lucky we are despite everything. We might have a nursing shortage sure, but it's nothing like the conditions Salama was working in. We have running water and electricity, life-saving equipment like oxygen and anesthetics, medications, etc. We don't go to work expecting victims of a chemical attack to come through our doors, or children with missing limbs. The PTSD from working just an hour at Salama's hospital would not be something I could handle. And yet every day she was back, doing the best she could with the materials she had.

I think I now have a new favourite halal romance 🥺

This book ahhhhh 

This was the Muslim representation I needed. Kenan and Salama were too adorable. The romance was done so well especially considering how fast it happens. The little glances, the "tell me something good" parts, the sunset, the stories...It was so cute and perfect in every way. I was rooting for them from the beginning. Kenan was such a refreshing character to read about too. We need more soft Muslim boys 😩

I had heard about the "plot twist" from a lot of people, and I guessed it before it actually happened, which honestly saved me a few tears, because that scene was heart wrenching to read. This book really tugs on your soul, and I wanted to sob out loud so many times. The trauma that all these characters have experienced is not something that can be put into words. It's awful. And seeing the way they've learned to cope with loss and pain in order to survive...

This book was an incredible read and I hope it'll be a book that is read in schools one day. I think we really need to step away from just focusing on the same old European wars and instead study contemporary history and issues that have been occurring during our lifetime. I hope more authors, like Katouh, can share their stories with the world.