Eden at Dawn

Summary

A heart-wrenching love story between two young Palestinian men in a land swept by sandstorms, burdened by occupation, and haunted by spirits.

In the labyrinthine city of Jerusalem, poets woo their lovers with tales of jinns, lions, and warriors. Isaac, a night watchman, and Gabriel, an architect, pass each other in the streets, unaware, until a strange summer storm engulfs the country and their paths finally cross at Aunt Fatima's house. From that meeting desire blossoms, hesitates, withdraws, and returns, in a heady romance recounted by the sky itself, who cranes past rooftops and through windows to glimpse the soulful pair. Defying checkpoints and desert squalls, Gabriel and Isaac embark on a road trip to Jericho, Solomon's pools, and beyond—a daring act in this divided land.

Lyrical and languorous, Eden at Dawn is a fairy tale in a war zone. With this second novel, lauded author Karim Kattan testifies that storytelling is the ultimate act of devotion.