Set against the backdrop of the Lebanese and Syrian wars, this novel provides a raw insight into family dynamics and relationships. The narrative spans decades, slowly uncovering a web of family secrets, which is done at a slow, but nonetheless riveting pace, making it an even more enjoyable read. As each layer was peeled, I was left wanting more, and all plot points come together eventually, with no stone left unturned.

Yet, it is not the plot that drives this story, but rather the characters and their relationships, which the author takes great care to develop. Every character is compelling and extremely human, which can be hard to convey in a book, but Alyan manages to do so expertly. 

The prose is lyrical and evocative, which makes for an emotional read. It deals with grief, loss, determination and healing in the most exquisite way. This book left a huge void and sense of nostalgia as I finished it since I was so immersed in the lives of the characters. 

No words can convey how beautiful this book is, and I hope it gets the attention it deserves.

The Arsonists' City is a compelling family saga evolving across decades and multiple cities and involves an array of family members. Mazna and Idris, the parents decide to travel back to Beirut from California, at the compulsion of Idris to sell their ancestral house. Their three children live in different cities. Ava, the eldest lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two kids, is grappling with marital issues. Mimi, a struggling musician lives with his girlfriend Harper in Austin, Texas. Naj the youngest and a famous musician is yet to get over a heartbreak, lives in Beirut. The children join the parents in Beirut for a summer to prevent the sale of the house and to organize a memorial for their late grandfather. The story is narrated from multiple POVs. But the centre of the plot is Mazna's story which started out as a young woman's stretching of her boundaries and exploring life, wanting an adventure one summer that leads to repercussions across timelines affecting not only her but generations to come.

The characters have so much depth that unravels as the story progresses. The book gave a glimpse of Damascus and Beirut of yesteryears and how war affects people in different ways. Overall The Arsonists' City is a thought provoking and engrossing book. I absolutely loved the character development and the progress of the storyline. Though the book begins with Zakaria, an important character, the book left me wanting more for his perspective though I know the book is not about Zakaria but his role in Mazna and Idris's life.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an intense yet enjoyable read. Thank you Net Galley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for the arc.

‘Tonight the man will die.’

Two generations of a family: a Syrian mother, a Lebanese father and three children.  The Nasr family are split between Beirut and the USA, but their father’s ancestral home in Beirut has anchored them.  When his father dies, Idris Nasr decides to sell the house.  His wife Mazna insists that the family reunite in Beirut.  She opposes the sale and wants son Mimi (Marwan) and daughter Ava to travel to Beirut, where their sister Naj lives, to try to save the house.

‘Grief will make you do crazy things.’

Everyone does as Mazna requests (who could resist the pressure she applies?), and we learn about the past, about the secrets that each holds close.  Typical family tensions are underlined (and relationships sometimes undermined) by the past, by war, religious differences, and regrets.

We learn of Mazna’s dreams and disappointments, of a life straddling two cultures and being unable to settle completely in either.  The pace is slow, each character’s story unfolds gradually.  Beirut is not the same city that Idris and Mazna left and, without their grandfather, it holds different memories for Ava and Mimi.  Naj lives in Beirut and her life is complicated.

Through these characters, we see the dislocation caused by war and by migration, and the disconnect between dreams and reality.  Ms Alyan brings her characters to life: flawed and vulnerable as they map their own relationships and spaces.

‘The sun has set now, and whatever light is left is dying, leaving to be reclaimed tomorrow.’

I loved this novel.

Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.  

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

"Tonight the man will die. In some ways, the city already seems resigned to it, the Beirut dusk uncharacteristically flat, cloudy, a peculiar staleness rippling through the trees like wind"



I received an Arc from Netgalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in exchange of an honest review

Star rating- 3.25
Technical rating- 7.5/10
Enjoyment rating- 4/10

This is one of those books that made me question how I review books. I was constantly thinking about how I'm going to rate this. I didn't want to rate it too low because I want to be fair to the author; this is a genuinely good book. But I didn't want to rate it too high because I want my ratings to match my reading tastes because I now have some amazing friends who read my reviews (looking at you Jess, if you're not reading this consider me disappointed). I don't want to mislead anyone who has similar tastes in books as me. (I've apparently convinced some people to read some books, which is amazing, but I'm paranoid of this kind of power)

Premise-
"The Nasr family is spread across the globe—Beirut, Brooklyn, Austin, the California desert. A Syrian mother, a Lebanese father, and three American children: all have lived a life of migration. Still, they’ve always had their ancestral home in Beirut—a constant touchstone—and the complicated, messy family love that binds them. But following his father's recent death, Idris, the family's new patriarch, has decided to sell.

The decision brings the family to Beirut, where everyone unites against Idris in a fight to save the house. They all have secrets—lost loves, bitter jealousies, abandoned passions, deep-set shame—that distance has helped smother. But in a city smoldering with the legacy of war, an ongoing flow of refugees, religious tension, and political protest, those secrets ignite, imperiling the fragile ties that hold this family together."

We follow 4 perspectives-

Mazna, a young and beautiful woman from a poor family, with big dreams of Hollywood and becoming an actress.

Ava, Mimi, and Naj. Mazna's kids, summoned back to Beirut as mentioned above.

I'd recommend this book to you if-

- you are a character-driven reader. This is VERY much, a character-driven book. The character work is one of the best I've seen. Definitely in the top 15. I have a feeling that I will bring along a part of Mazna with me in my memories. She is just so real. If you'd like to analyze character motivations, their emotions; delve into what makes them tick, their fears, their joy. I'd honestly believe you if you said "These characters are real people."

- You are patient for the tea. There are quite a few betrayals, and a few heartaches (under hyping this one). But it takes quite a few pages (about a few hundred) to get there. After introducing the characters, the author takes her sweet time exploring the character's life story. The water has been set in the kettle, explores the character work before you get burned with scalding hot, sweet, and JUICY tea. I am a nosy person so I liked the reveals, but it takes a bit too long for me to love it.

- You have the time. This is a relatively slow-paced book (I had a few issues with it but I'll discuss it later) This is definitely a spring/summer book, which is a great move on the publisher's part because this book comes out in March. Read slowly, enjoy the atmosphere, read in a preferably a breezy area. Let the book lead your mind.



I personally didn't like this book as much I expected to, because I anticipated a fast-paced family drama with reveals and turns left and right. But here, it's a bit slower paced. The interesting thing about this book is, that it builds up the twists right in front of you, and it teases you and builds suspense on how other characters will react to it. I was not a big fan of the pacing but I'm not gonna lie, it dragged a lot through the middle. There was a purpose to it, the character work is amazing but I wish it was more balanced but the author clearly succeeded on what they intended to do, so I'm not gonna spend more time on that.

My biggest issue with the book is the formatting. BUT, they did mention that the book will be going through more editing, so hopefully, it won't be an issue anymore when it gets published. The book is kinda on the bigger side of the general fiction page count. The book is formatted as such. There is one storyline of a portion of the character's life. This part takes about 50-80 pages. This part is divided into bite-sized passages which adds to this part and by extension the story. My issue here is, this is kinda too long. I was more interested in Mazna's POV, I was less interested in the other POVs and got frustrated when it went of for pages upon pages. The shift from one POV to the other is pretty jarring because the character voices and narrative is so different (which is a good thing, but it contrasted with this negatively). Sometimes it went on for so long, I kinda forgot what was happening on the other "plot thread".
I just think that smoothing these out would do the book a lot of favors.


Sorry for the rant, onto what I liked.

The characters (obviously)

The writing. There are just some nuggets here, that hit so deep. It is poetic in a straightforward manner. I love the way the author handles the characters. In front of you; the character dreams and dares to hope, but you know how it turns out from the other (future) POV. Not gonna delve too deep because I'm terrified of accidentally spoiling anyone.

This review is not as clear and articulate as I'd like it to be, or as much as my other reviews but it is what it is; my brain vomit. I found it hard to write this review because I have too many thoughts on this book for it to be a coherent review. I tried; read it if you want to.

If you have read this far, thank you very much. Happy reading.

This one wasted NO time getting into it. Also, this is my third book in 2020 with mamas from #ParkSlope. Can’t wait to see how this one goes because, let me tell you, it is off to an amazing start! Noticed there is a hashtag #halaalyanfangirl and if that’s this author, I think I know why.

I am so very glad I gave this book a chance.
I  normally shy away from books that delve into family dynamics, but there was something about this one that caught my eye .  And then, this Syrian-Lebanese family story hooked me from beginning to end. 

The book is centered on 3 siblings that are called to their ancestral home in Beirut for the possibility of a sale.  Their father is set on doing it, and their mom is scared, insisting they help to change his mind. We see parents and siblings under the same roof after being scattered for so long, having to face each other and their personal issues to remember what it means to be a family again.
Hala Alyan writes beautifully, and all her characters were so compelling and believable I could not put the book down. There were so many layers of struggle, grief, regret, and doubt, and character development was so good that the switch in timelines and POVs did not bother me as I thought it would.
The political nuances here and there, the conflict and destruction in Syria and in Lebanon were a bonus I enjoyed very much. Sometimes one is so accustomed to war it becomes just a backdrop.

I thank NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for this ARC. I  definitely want to read more from Hala Alyan

Beautifully written, this book transported me to the Middle East and I was glad to follow along with the ups and downs of this family.

This is brilliantly written.  Alyan’s descriptions and vivid imagery transported me to Beirut, a place I’ve never been, but feel as if I have through her words.  There are many layers to this story, each page uncovering another secret, turmoil, history of the Middle East, sibling rivalries, jealousies, prejudices, agonizing troubles and heartaches, as one would peel away at the leaves of an artichoke until reaching the heart - that is family, the nuclear unit of life.  The Nasr family members all gave their skeletons and demons to deal with but it is the death of their grandfather and their father’s wanting to sell the ancestral home that finds them all together under the same roof amongst the almond trees where they discover what their lives are truly about. 
This story makes you think, you learn, you feel deeply for each character, at times it is sorrow, others rage, and still compassion and understanding. Alyan brings the story of a more modern immigration to life and how their roots stretch the miles home to Beirut.

<i>Thank you to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing me with an eARC of this novel via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</i>

This story that spans two generations of a Syrian-Lebanese family from their native countries through their immigration to the United States and back again is utterly captivating. Even though it would flit between past and present and cycle through the point of view of various characters (the mother, Mazna, the father, Idris, and their three children, Ava, Mimi and Naj) I was completely engrossed the entire time and not confused or overwhelmed at all. The ending felt a bit drawn out, but it did tie up some loose ends that I was curious about. A heartwarming and yet heart-wrenching story that  I could not put down.

𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 ~ The Arsonists City by Hala Alyan.

Synopsis
--------------
The story is set during and post Syrian occupation of Lebanon and is centred in Beirut.
One part of the story was about Mazna, the main protagonist's teenage life around her friends, her dream and struggle to become an actress and also a difficult romance with the housekeeper's son, Zakaria. Idris was her close friend but she adored Zakaria.
The other part of the story was in the future about Mazna's present life and her family. Zakaria is dead and she is married to Idris. He wants to sell his Beirut house and the story is about the whole family moving back there, reliving the past history, digging truths and secrets of Mazna and the other family members as well. 

My Review
-----------------
This book is a great mix of emotional journey, identity crisis, exile life experience and also humour embedded in it. I completely loved loved the author's writing style, it is rich and poetic, dark and humorous where it was needed. I especially laughed quite hard and found funny about several instances in Mimi's story. Harper's character is a drama that blended perfectly well together. I loved how strong and independent Naj was. 

Rating - 5⭐

My Recommendation
---------------------------------
I really loved this book and this made me emotional, laugh and feel nothing but happy and smile at the end. So it is highly recommendable to anyone and I hope you will also like reading this. 

Thank you @netgalley
and the author for the copy. Really loved this experience and can't wait to explore more.

#thearsonistscity #netgalley

5 stars just for the cover!!! An additional 5 stars for the story! Just wow! This book has family drama that spans the globe and it is believable. This should definitely be a must read for all book clubs, it is that good. Why isn't Oprah recommending this for hers? CALLING OPRAH, get with it (I'm serious)!  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and a re-read for sure and I am definitely looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Thanks to Netgalley, Hala Alyan and Houghton Miflin Harcourt for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am definitely getting a copy of this at publication to own.

Available: 3/9/21

The book is excellent. It would make a great book club selection. There are many layers to dissect. However, it was a tough read for me. Not as bad as The Light Between Oceans (because that book will ruin your life) but still hard. 
.
The story is about a family. The father is Idris and he’s from Beirut. The mother, Mazna, is from Damascus. It’s the story of how they met, got married, and immigrated to California. Beirut is embroiled in a civil war in the late 1970’s when they meet. The immigrate for Idris’ medical residency. They have children and raise them in Southern California. The kids are adults when the book opens but it goes back and forth between several time periods before they were born, when they are young, and as adults. When Idris’ father dies in the present time the whole family goes back to Beirut to sell the family home. 
.
Obviously, the war is a rough thing for Idris and Mazna to live through. However, that wasn’t what I struggled with. All the members of the family are really selfish. It causes immense suffering among the other characters in the book. Towards the end they all are able to break out of their unhealthy cycles but most of the book is fraught with hurt and betrayal. 
.
It really is wonderfully written but I would have to stop periodically to take a breather because after a while I was frustrated with the whole family. Also, this is one of books that makes me want to travel. Beirut and Damascus sound FASCINATING! Only 16 years to go until my youngest in out of high school.

I enjoyed this book.  I would recommend it to others and I would like to read more from this author in the future.

From the gorgeous cover to the last page and everything in between this is a moving emotional novel. The story of three siblings living across the US, called to their childhood summer home in Beirut due to its impending sale, the novel explores themes of siblings, marriage, parents, responsibility, nostalgia and what it means to be a part of a family - both as a child and as an adult. Alyan’s writing is lush and evocative, reading her descriptions of Beirut made me feel as if I were remembering something, even though I’ve never visited before. Her description of the family and their interactions were like coming home to your own family. It’s a touching novel that you won’t soon forget. **Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this free e-book in exchange for an honest review**

I received this book for free through Netgally in return for an honest review. 

This book is a beautifully written, old-fashioned story. What I mean by that is that it is an elegant read, with surprises and insight, delving into relationships at a deep level. It's slow in places, but more languid than dull. It doesn't race, but it doesn't need to because the secrets kept continue to shock. It's also not a plot driven story, so much as it's relationship-driven. Its in these details that the story moves forward. 

Set in Damascus, Beirut, and Blyth California, this is a story of multiple generations tied together by secrets. Idris, a doctor living in California with his wife Mazna, has decided he needs to sell his childhood home in Beirut, following the passing of his father. Mazna insists that their children Ava, in Brooklyn, and Mimi, in Austin bring their families to Beirut to hold a memorial service. The youngest child, Naj already lives there, as she is a wildly famous musician. The trip happens, and from here we dive into the complicated pasts and presents of each member of their family, where secrets are revealed and others are kept.

We seem to spend the most time with Mazna, as her actions tend to drive the story. We meet her as a young, poor, stunningly beautiful woman desperate to become an actress. She falls in love and this changes the course of her life. We meet Mimi, who is struggling to find himself and his place in the world. He is overshadowed by his younger sister's musical career, but doesn't know quite where he should dedicate his time. Naj may have been my favorite character. She is passionate and indulgent, and while she may seem lost, she is the most driven of the siblings. She feels completely, and is the truest to herself, even when she wants to escape. Ava surprised me. There were details in each character that were a surprise, and made them feel more real. The fact that she was a poker player was more than an interesting detail; it gave a well-placed indication of why she acted and reacted the way she did. I initially got the impression that Idris wasn't as deep as the other characters, or that his life view was more simple, but as the story grew, it was clear he understood more than he tended to let on. 

The characters are so well-developed, and the author moves gently between each one, allowing them to breath and exist. They are raw and emotional, with real human energy. I often found myself believing that one character would be the lead of the story, but because each character had such depth, that image of each shifted into being. The Syrian-Lebanon war acts as almost another character, ever present throughout the generational story. 

Even the supporting characters are well-written and interesting. Jo, Fee, Nate, Sara, Merry, and others are given their own rich stories.

The book moves throughout time periods, giving us different views into the motivations and movements of each character, in a way that seemed natural. It allowed the reader to be surprised to have the insight that explained plot lines already introduced. 

As I got to the final chapters, I was holding my breath, afraid each one would be the last chapter, until it was. When I wasn't actively reading the book, I was thinking about the characters. This is one of those books that sits with you, which is really the best sort of book. I'm excited for this book to come out - I want to recommend it to friends, and I hope it gets the excellent press it deserves. 

*I did notice several typos in the version I received, and I hope they will be edited by the time this goes to print*

I love family sagas and this book does not disappoint. From Syria and Lebanon to California, Texas and New York the reader experiences the love, horror, humour and challenges of one family. Highly recommended!

I wasn’t sure I would like this as much as I did. Wonderful, ambitious story of the Nasr family and each members hidden secrets all come to light as the patriarch asks his grown children and  additional relatives meet in Beirut once decides to sell their ancestral home.
And so they come from California, Texas, New York all looking for answers without giving away too much of themselves. A warm, loving, emotional ride, hard to put down. Impossible to forget. A truly remarkable book.
4.5 stars

Thank you once again to NetGalley for the advanced copy. My thoughts are my own and unsolicited.

This book was great! A really well-done family saga with believable characters that the reader can identify with even with all their flaws. A love story with some dreams seemingly not realized. I  especially enjoyed the parts that were back in time a generation or two. Interesting backdrop of Lebanon, Syria, and  the Palestinian Refugee camps, as well as locales in the U.S.

A beautifully written, sweeping story that is broadly about a Syrian-Lebanese-American family but zooms in on exploring the individual characters and what their different relationships mean to them as their lives unfold in ways they cannot control. The story builds around secrets, and how they impact those who keep them, guess at them, know them, or don't want to know them. From the beginning, the reader learns a secret that threads throughout the novel, and other secrets also appear throughout to the reader before they do to the characters. The pages turn quickly, as the reader waits, on edge, for the fallout of secrets revealed (or not revealed), while delving into the lives of the characters. Jumping between time periods and narrators, the story is grounded in Alyan's depiction of place. The descriptions of the sights, smells, and sounds spanning Beirut, Damascus, Austin, California, Brooklyn throughout different years powerfully captured setting. Beirut itself, the house in Beirut, the almond trees, all loom as large as the personalities of the characters themselves. The way the adult relationships were written was also compelling, conveying the messiness and love that outlasts years and lives apart in families as well as the exploration of external reasons and factors partnerships fail or succeed. There is also some commentary on the politics of the Middle East and of America, issues of social class and immigration woven into the individual trajectories of the characters. Alyan packs a lot into this novel which at times prohibits depth but overall makes for an enthralling and rich story. It is worth a read!

Beautiful and emotional story that travels through time and continents. Alyan's writing is rich and powerful, her characters vivid and compelling, if not altogether very likable... Despite this family's sad history and complicated present, their love and gratitude for one another helps them overcome tragedy, resentment and betrayal.