Plot Summary

The Rock of Tanios

Amin Maalouf
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The Rock of Tanios

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1993

Book Brief

Amin Maalouf

The Rock of Tanios

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1993
Book Details
Pages

275

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Lebanon • 19th century

Publication Year

1993

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Rock of Tanios by Amin Maalouf tells the story of a young man named Tanios in 19th-century Lebanon, where he becomes involved in the political and religious conflicts between Egypt, the Ottoman Empire, England, France, Islam, and Christianity. Tanios grapples with rumors about his parentage, faces betrayal in love, and strives to find his own path amidst chaos, eventually being enshrined in local legend for his mysterious disappearance atop a rock named after him. The book includes themes of violence, manipulation, and political strife.

Mysterious

Melancholic

Contemplative

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.1

8,194 ratings

74%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Amin Maalouf's The Rock of Tanios is widely praised for its rich historical narrative and lyrical prose, which beautifully captures 19th-century Lebanon. Reviewers commend its intricate characters and philosophical depth. Criticisms mostly center on its complex plot, which some find challenging to follow. Overall, it's a compelling read that rewards patient readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Rock of Tanios?

Fans of historical fiction with a penchant for rich storytelling and cultural depth will relish Amin Maalouf's The Rock of Tanios. Comparable to Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude and Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose, this work captivates with its blend of history, myth, and moral complexity.

4.1

8,194 ratings

74%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

275

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Lebanon • 19th century

Publication Year

1993

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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