I've been interested lately in reading more personal perspectives on life in the modern Middle East, even though I usually don't read memoirs much. This book comes as a much needed and very pleasant surprise.
Salma Abdelnour writes a poignant and sensitive account of her quest for home. Her reflections touch many of us who struggle with understanding the multicultural and diverse landscape we now live in.
Jasmine and Fire offers a vibrant, intelligently written narrative of this Lebanese-American author's attempt to live in Beirut again after many years in the U.S. Her childhood experiences, insecurities, and triumphs are interwoven with the smells and sights and memories she brought with her to her adopted home.
In this very well-written memoir, Abdelnour succeeds in bringing to life the questions that so many of us are asking. We have to dig deep into our souls for the answers.