45 pages • 1 hour read
The Map of Salt and Stars
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
384
Novel • Fiction
Syria • 2010s
2018
Adult
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
The Map of Salt and Stars by Jennifer Zeynab Joukhadar follows two interwoven narratives: Nour, a young Syrian girl fleeing the current war, and Rawiya, a medieval mapmaker’s apprentice. Nour, who relocates from Manhattan to Homs, escapes the bombing with her family, mirroring Rawiya's adventurous journey across the Middle East centuries earlier. The novel explores themes of self-discovery, subverted gender roles, and the quest for home. The book contains depictions of war, family loss, and attempted sexual violence.
Mysterious
Emotional
Contemplative
Melancholic
Adventurous
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Map of Salt and Stars by Jennifer Zeynab Joukhadar intertwines a modern Syrian refugee's journey with a medieval legend, earning praise for its lyrical prose and emotional depth. Critics commend its rich storytelling and cultural depiction, though some note a slower pacing in parts. Overall, the novel is lauded for its poignant narrative and vivid imagery.
Who Should Read The Map of Salt and Stars?
A reader who enjoys The Map of Salt and Stars by Jennifer Zeynab Joukhadar is likely captivated by rich, dual narratives blending historical fiction and contemporary refugee experiences. Fans of Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner or A Thousand Splendid Suns will appreciate its lyrical storytelling and deep emotional resonance.
384
Novel • Fiction
Syria • 2010s
2018
Adult
14-18 years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.