A review by booktalkwithkarla
The Arsonists' City by Hala Alyan

emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.75

Will Idris Nasr (against his wife Mazda’s wishes) sell the ancestral home in Beirut? Great question and the reason three American Nasr children (Ava, Mimi, and Naj now grown) travel to meet their parents there. What follows is the real life choices and consequences of the three in the present and the real life choices and consequences of the previous generation. Set amidst the war in the Middle East, the novel explores themes of home, secrets, and family. 

Hala Alyan knows how to write - creating unlikeable people that you want to root for. I loved the wisdom, deep questions and insights considered. Plus even as I hated the actions of the key players, I understood them and wanted resolution. I cared which is why I ended up loving this book even as I strongly disliked the actions of the characters. 

When I finished the book I wanted to immediately read it again to see the clues I know Alyan included that I missed. I recommend this as a buddy or book club read for its discussability.