50 pages • 1 hour read
Salt Houses
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Book Brief
336
Novel • Fiction
Middle East • 20th century
2017
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Salt Houses by Hala Alyan follows the Yacoub family from 1963 to 2014 as they navigate displacement and diaspora, beginning in Nablus and moving to Kuwait, Jordan, and the United States, with each chapter narrated by different family members to paint a portrait of their lives, losses, and resilience amid the backdrop of Palestinian and regional history. The text contains descriptions of violence and sexual assault.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Emotional
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
19,630 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Hala Alyan's Salt Houses has been praised for its lyrical prose and compelling portrayal of a displaced Palestinian family across generations. Critics highlight the vivid, empathetic character development and intricate exploration of identity and belonging. Some note a tendency toward a fragmented narrative that may challenge readers. Overall, it's a poignant, thought-provoking novel.
Who Should Read Salt Houses?
Readers who enjoy Salt Houses by Hala Alyan are often drawn to multigenerational family sagas that explore themes of displacement, cultural identity, and resilience. They may also appreciate works like Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner or Min Jin Lee's Pachinko for their rich narratives and emotional depth.
19,630 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
336
Novel • Fiction
Middle East • 20th century
2017
Adult
18+ years
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