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A review by titalindaslibrary
Salt Houses by Hala Alyan
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Well...add this to the list of books that have made me cry. I'm not sure what it was in particular, but the culmination of learning this family's history, each character's internal struggles, and the overwhelming pain of intergenerational trauma made it especially impactful.
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This is a stunning multigenerational tale of the Yacoub family that survives war after war, all while seeking a place they can call home. The alternating chapters jump between family members and time, taking us from 1963 to its concluding year of 2014. We experience their journey through The Six Day War, the First Intifada, the Gulf War, the Second Intifada, 9/11, and the 2006 Lebanon War.
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Salt Houses centers the struggles of staying connected to your traditions while still trying to find a home in a new country. In the face of repeated violence, how does a family stay together and find hope? By jumping from character to character, we get a different perspective into how trauma can shape someone and the way they move through the world.
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Discovering that Alyan has a background as both a poet and clinical psychologist makes complete sense - this book is both lyrical while exploring flawed characters and their vivid emotions. She brings to life the stories and families that are hidden behind the cold, vague headlines of our Western news outlets.
I really enjoyed Alyan's writing style and will be looking into more books by her now. I hope you check this one out!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This is a stunning multigenerational tale of the Yacoub family that survives war after war, all while seeking a place they can call home. The alternating chapters jump between family members and time, taking us from 1963 to its concluding year of 2014. We experience their journey through The Six Day War, the First Intifada, the Gulf War, the Second Intifada, 9/11, and the 2006 Lebanon War.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Salt Houses centers the struggles of staying connected to your traditions while still trying to find a home in a new country. In the face of repeated violence, how does a family stay together and find hope? By jumping from character to character, we get a different perspective into how trauma can shape someone and the way they move through the world.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Discovering that Alyan has a background as both a poet and clinical psychologist makes complete sense - this book is both lyrical while exploring flawed characters and their vivid emotions. She brings to life the stories and families that are hidden behind the cold, vague headlines of our Western news outlets.
I really enjoyed Alyan's writing style and will be looking into more books by her now. I hope you check this one out!