The Story of Beirut

It all begins in 1858, at Martyr’s Square (Place des Canons) in Beirut. Roukoz, a quiet employee of the French Consulate, is spurred on to rebellion; he decides to incite the peasants of his native village, who are mistreated by feudal lords, to revolt. Thus history is set in motion. Revolution! The proclamation of the first Republic in the Orient! The liberation of Lebanon begins.

And at the heart of this tale with many twists and turns is the mythical city, Beirut. A city torn asunder.

Alexandre Najjar brings to life three generations of a Lebanese family. After Roukoz comes Elias, the compassionate doctor. Then there is Joe, his artist son who becomes a Phalangist. Love and destiny call Mona to Paris. Last, but not least is Nour, the fervent communist. This is a story where tragedy and comedy constantly come together. The narrator is Philippe, old, blind, and the sole surviving grandson of the Roukoz family. It is his reminiscing out loud that tells us the story.

Skillfully combining fiction and reality, Alexandre Najjar makes the dream of his hero Philippe come true: reviving Beirut, his crucified city, by making those who loved it come alive.