With the story of the people of Bsharre, a small Maronite community in the Northern mountains of Lebanon, Barakat tackles the broad and difficult question of minorities in the Middle-East and elsewhere: 

Why are they relentlessly torn? Recluse, or in denial of their being a minority, they resist any national project that does not recognize their differences and their aspirations

The kingdom of this earth details the lives of the people of Bsharre, , a fascinating microcosm of rebellious, devout, rude, grand, wild and malicious people. The novel spans from the beginning of the twentieth century until the eve of the Lebanese Civil War (1975).

Hoda Barakat is shortlisted for the International Man Book Prize 2015.

New to the list! Spring 2015.