A review by whatsmomreading
Salt Houses by Hala Alyan

emotional hopeful informative reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

After fleeing Palestine shortly after The Six Day War of 1967, Salma Yacoub has relocated with her 3 children; Widad, Alia and Mustafa. Widowed and rebuilding their life, Salma prepares for her middle daughter Alia’s wedding. When she does the ceremonial coffee dreg reading on the eve of the wedding it reveals a life of instability for her daughter’s future family. What unfolds over decades is a story about the family and the ripple effects of war as they grow and change. 

I don’t even know where to begin with this novel as it was so beautiful, endearing, tragic and yet hopeful. Alyan’s writing style is so poetic, she managed to make simple actions sound so much more profound. I cannot wait to get my hands on more of her writing.

As for the story, I know the Yacoub family is going to stay with me for a very long time. Each chapter being told by a different family member added so much depth to the story as well as the individuals. It also helps so much with the transitions and covering so much time as the novel begins in 1963 and ends in 2014. 

It was heartbreaking to see as generations grew how far removed they started to feel from their Palestinian roots as each generation had to relocate during different wars. They were aching for a home that they never knew and it’s a feeling that’s going to stay with me for a very long time.

I really loved seeing how the relationships between mothers and daughters were also challenged as each generation faced her own struggles and developing freedoms. 

There’s so so so much more I could say but I really hope everyone gives it a read because these stories matter more and more every day.