Author: Zeyn Joukhadar

Published in 2018, “The Map of Salt and Stars” is a novel by Syrian American writer Zeyn Joukhadar. The story follows the journeys of two young girls across time and geography.

In the book, the author introduces Nour, a 12-year-old girl who is forced to flee her home in Aleppo with her family. Menwhile, Rawiya is a girl from the 12th century who disguises herself as a boy to become a trainee to the famous mapmaker Ibn Jubayr.

The two narratives create a rich story that explores displacement, identity and the resilience of the human spirit all together in one book. The author also paints pictures of historical as well as contemporary landscapes, inviting readers on a journey through the beauty and complexity of Syrian culture.

Nour’s journey through the war-torn country of Syria captures her trauma of losing her home and her father. Her character, however, grows through her encounters with diverse people, where each character she meets adds depth to her understanding of displacement, while at the same time reflecting the broader human experience.

Rawiya’s historical journey, on the other hand, complements Nour’s story, offering a look into the past in a way that resonates with the present. Through Rawiya’s perspective, readers could be able to gain an appreciation for the rich history of the Arab world, as well as the gender dynamics that persist across centuries in the area.

Joukhadar skillfully combines these two different insights in one book, creating a powerful commentary on how important storytelling is, not only as a form of survival, but also a way of connecting people and time.

Overall, the book is a compelling read, presenting various concepts such as loss, hope, identity and the unbreakable bonds of family to design a story that stays long in the reader’s mind.

Other books have been published by Joukhdar, including “The Thirty Names of Night” and “Mizna.”