Mostafa Khalifa’s book is not only a complaint, but also bitter reflection on the horrors of which humans are guilty.

It is an essential reading because it shows that historical truth is not considered in today’s debate on Syria. Torture, summary executions, imprisonment of women, men and children in Syrian prisons has been the basis of power of the Assad family

“Crudely realistic, Ave Maris nevertheless plays with tenderness, irony and poetry. Common sense, illusion and laughter are opposed to the barbary of dogmatisms. Against violence and corrupt powers, shine the daily kindnesses, and magical encounters allowing life to take its course.”

Sinan Antoon is another original voice of this new Iraqi narrative

“Overall, if you can muster the patience, this novel will teach you some important things”

Mishka Mourani says “American neighbourhood” is Douaihy’s “best novel yet”