The Rock of Tanios
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1993
275
Novel • Fiction
Lebanon • 19th century
1993
Adult
18+ years
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
8,194 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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.
8,194 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
275
Novel • Fiction
Lebanon • 19th century
1993
Adult
18+ years
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