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The Beekeeper of Aleppo

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019

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Book Brief

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Christy Lefteri

The Beekeeper of Aleppo

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Aleppo, Syria • 2010s

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri follows Nuri and Afra, Syrian refugees who embark on a perilous journey from war-torn Aleppo to England after losing their son, which renders Afra blind. The narrative delves into their emotional and psychological trauma, Nuri's PTSD, and their struggle to reconnect, ultimately finding hope with the help of Nuri’s cousin, Mustafa. Topics of child loss, PTSD, violence, and sexual assault are addressed.

Melancholic

Emotional

Inspirational

Mysterious

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.3

199,698 ratings

82%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri captivates readers with its poignant portrayal of a Syrian couple's harrowing journey to safety. Reviews commend its emotional depth and vivid storytelling. However, some criticize it for occasional predictability and sentimentality. Overall, it's praised for shedding light on the refugee experience with empathy and grace.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Beekeeper of Aleppo?

A reader who would enjoy The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri is likely drawn to poignant, emotionally-resonant narratives centered on human resilience and the refugee experience. Fans of Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner and Delia Owens' Where the Crawdads Sing will appreciate the rich storytelling and profound themes of hope amidst adversity.

4.3

199,698 ratings

82%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Nuri Ibrahim

The narrator of the story, Nuri is a sensitive Syrian beekeeper from Aleppo whose life is deeply affected by the war, and he embarks on a challenging journey with his wife, Afra, to find safety and reunite with his cousin Mustafa.

Nuri's wife, Afra, is an artist who becomes blind and struggles with the trauma of losing their son in a bomb attack, which profoundly impacts her relationship with Nuri and her journey to find a new home.

Nuri's cousin and mentor, Mustafa is a beekeeper who inspires Nuri with his love for bees and remains a source of hope as he guides Nuri through the difficult transition to life in a new country.

A resident at the B&B where Nuri and Afra stay, Hazim is a friendly and helpful presence who supports them, despite his own tragic past and uncertain future as a refugee.

A young refugee staying at the B&B, Diomande is optimistic and determined to find opportunities in his new country, despite having endured a perilous journey from his war-torn home.

A complex character who befriends Afra, Angeliki has suffered deeply from the loss of her child and offers a mix of folk wisdom and resilience in the face of her own difficult journey as a refugee.

A musician who becomes friends with Nuri, Nadim brings moments of warmth and music into the story, although his character later reveals a more complicated and darker side.

Twin boys who fled Afghanistan, Ryad and Ali navigate the dangerous streets of Athens, trying to survive as refugees while they remain largely unsupported and vulnerable.

A Kurdish refugee who introduces Nuri to a smuggler, Baram has faced significant hardship and is determined to reach a better life, highlighting the challenges faced by Kurds in the region.

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Aleppo, Syria • 2010s

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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