Synopsis
“In the midst of war, he found love. In the midst of darkness, he found courage. In the midst of tragedy, he found hope.”
This book is about Nuri, a beekeeper and his wife Afra an artist. They live a happy and simple life in the beautiful Syrian city of Aleppo, up until they lose everything, including their son to the war. What Afra has seen is very traumatic, that she goes blind. They then decide to make a perilous and uncertain journey to the UK through Turkey and Greece, to meet with Mustafa, Nuri’s cousin who has started an aviary in Yorkshire.
Themes are:
- Death
- loss of identity
- War
- Connection to others
- Transformation
- Hope
- Immigration
- Love
- Sexual assault
I listened to this book on audible since the only free time I had to listen to it was during my morning/ evening run. The book is 8hrs and 46 minutes long and it is narrated by Art Malik.
Christy Lefteri writes beautifully and manages to show us a glimpse of the horrors of the world of war, loss, being a refugee and seeking asylum. Art Malik’s narration was also excellent (in my opinion) and I felt Nuri through him.
The story is very heartbreaking and sad. I had to take a couple of breaks just to press pause and breathe before I could continue listening. Despite the ugliness and the darkness that this story covers, it also shows that the world can also be beautiful and kind.
One of my favourite quotes is, “Where there are bees there are flowers, and wherever there are flowers there is new life and hope.”
I would personally give this book ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Have you read this book? What are your thoughts on it?
