Eva Nour's "Stray cats of Homs"

 

You can find this book here. The book was originally titled De hemlösa katterna i Homs as it was written in Stockholm. The English translation read by me was made by Agnes Broomé.

This book is in the Library's general fiction section; however, it contains some biographical events of 'Sami' (not their real name for safety reasons) during the Syrian Civil War that began in 2011 and is at this point still ongoing; though it could possibly be classified as an escalated war that is more than just within Syria.

If you would like fact-based progression of the war, Britannica has created a timeline for viewing here.  

Don't get me wrong, there are facts within this book that relate to the timeline and progressions of history. However; this book focusses on the experiences, relationships and life during this time of the protagonist Sami. When Syria goes to war with itself, normal is no longer what Sami remembers or lives through (particularly regarding to the reader if they have not lived through Civil War). Whilst there are horrors and devastation in Sami's life, the novel does focus on the concepts of hope and home with Sami. These themes are interwoven throughout the text and really help shape the reader's understanding of the concepts, as well as war and trying to live with it. 

Let's face it, when the blurb on the back claims: 

              Tender, wild and unbearably raw, it is a novel which will stay with you for ever

It means it.

The protagonist is well rounded, the descriptions are full. You feel part of the scene, even if you are rather distanced by possibly not having the knowledge or understanding of this kind of experience. There is a lot of emotion in this book; and if you are not comfortable with some things that happen during wartime, this may be a little too detailed for you, as again, some descriptions are rather vivid (for example, what changes occur through vitamin deficiencies).

This means that it adds depth and heartbreak to events readers may only know through the distance of media. The writing is detailed and full and shows the effects of war on individuals trying to escape it, and those who remain. 

At the end of the novel, you also receive extra information, notes and photographs from 'Sami' and used within the novel that helps understand why Sami told his story and why Eva (not her real name) wrote it. 

This book is a powerful read.

Links for you

The books in this list found within our Library may have different focusses, characters, and writing styles. However; their themes are similar if you would like more perspectives and information on the Syrian Civil War.

Nujeen

Nujeen Mustafa

Syria's secret library

Mike Thomson

We crossed a bridge and it trembled

Wendy Pearlman

Last sanctuary in Aleppo

Alaa Aljaleel

Staff pick: Philippa Gregory's "White princess"

This book can be found here.

I found this book to be detailed, compelling, thought-provoking and shocking. 

It is an historical romance, with so much detail given to the time period and the political and economical struggles at the time that I had to rethink what I knew of the English Monarch during the Tudor reign. The story is told from the female protagonist’s point of view and it sheds light on the royal family and the struggles of a person perceived as lesser or of little value other than to bear a male heir. The woman in this story is a unique and untold hero who faces real villainy.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves historical novels, a strong female protagonist; stories revolving around historical Royalty; or, who is interested in learning an in-depth account of a story already told a thousand times before.

-- K

Here are other formats you can borrow of Gregory's book (including a television series).

It is also book five (5) in Gregory's Cousin's war series; but it is not necessary to read them in order.