Plot Summary

House of Stone

Anthony Shadid
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House of Stone

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2012

Book Brief

Anthony Shadid

House of Stone

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2012
Book Details
Pages

283

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Marjayoun, Lebanon • 2000s

Publication Year

2012

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

House of Stone by Anthony Shadid narrates his effort to rebuild his family's old stone house in Marjayoun, Lebanon, which was abandoned when his ancestors emigrated to America. Amid his reconstruction challenges, Shadid explores his family history, the town's decline, and his personal struggles. Parallelly, he depicts the broader historical context of Ottoman-era Lebanon and its contemporary issues. The book contains descriptions of war and conflict.

Contemplative

Melancholic

Nostalgic

Informative

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.0

2,787 ratings

60%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Anthony Shadid’s House of Stone is lauded for its evocative writing and deep exploration of identity, heritage, and home. Shadid's personal journey of restoring his ancestral home amidst Lebanon's turmoil captivates readers. Criticisms are minor, focusing on occasional narrative digressions. Overall, it is a poignant and insightful memoir melding history with personal reflection.

Who should read this

Who Should Read House of Stone?

A reader who would enjoy House of Stone by Anthony Shadid is interested in memoirs, Middle Eastern history, and cultural heritage. They appreciate evocative storytelling and books like Dreams of Trespass by Fatima Mernissi and The Return by Hisham Matar. This reader values deep personal narratives intertwined with historical context.

4.0

2,787 ratings

60%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

283

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Marjayoun, Lebanon • 2000s

Publication Year

2012

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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