Book Summary and Reviews of A Girl Made of Dust by Nathalie Abi-Ezzi

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Maggie R. (Canoga Park, CA)

Contrasts
I was reminded of To Kill a Mockingbird while reading this novel. This is a child's view of her world and its day to day perplexities surrounded by a larger world of horrific events which intrude ever more painfully. Told in a deceptively simple style, the narrative draws in the reader with glimpses of family secrets waiting to be revealed.

Lucy B. (Urbana, Ohio)

Children of War
I read a lot, all types of books, and belong to a local reader's book club sponsored by an independent book seller in a mid-western small town. I felt the author did a good job depicting the life of an eight-year-old who is living in a country at war and who is surrounded by a family with secrets that she does not fully understand. I feel we tend to forget that the lives of young people are very much affected by the war of adults.

Janne V. (Greenville, SC)

A sad but ultimately hopeful novel
A Girl Made of Dust is a very moving story about a young girl in the midst of a war that she doesn’t understand. Told from her perspective, she is generally more concerned with the personal problems in her own family - her father’s withdrawal into himself because of something that is kept secret from her until late in the story, and the resulting tension between her parents and the increasing estrangement from her brother, whom she idealizes. The war gradually keeps getting closer and she is only then forced to truly acknowledge it, although she is as confused by the reasons for it as her family is.

The novel gives us an inside glimpse of the real effects of war on families, particularly children ,and it seems clear that the author has had some personal experience with this to describe it so vividly. It also shows us how easily it is for young boys to get swept up into the fighting and how their families might react to this. In many way, it is a poignant novel, but the author manages to finish the novel with a hopeful ending showing us how resilient young people can be. Overall, a memorable book that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.

Barbara B. (Alta Loma, CA)

A Girl Made of Dust
A Girl Made of Dust is a captivating book bringing the invasion of Beruit in the 80's to life through the eyes of 8-year-old Ruba. Ruba is a very wise and observant child and seems old in many ways, but is very much a child in others.

I think this book would be great for book clubs, but more importantly for young adult readers as well. I really liked the way war affects all of the generations and the redemption that also can occur.

The characters each had so much to say and were all so likable. This book is really a great read.

Muneeb

A Girl Made of Dust
Good writing and good storytelling. Told from a child's point of view, war is a main character. A quick read, with lingering impressions.

Lola T. (Broken Arrow, OK)

A Girl Made of Dust
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Written from the viewpoint of a very young girl, this book is by no means a children's fiction book, but a look at conflict in Lebanon through the eyes of an innocent. This lens is at once frustrating (your grown-up brain wants this child to wise up!) and effective in evoking a feeling for this war-torn area of the world. The author is quite skilled in evoking the sounds of bombs, the tastes of the food, the heat, the beauty of flowers (roses, especially), the dust and the fear. For an unusual and very personal view of the war and the confusing political and religious divisions, I would say take a chance and read this book. It is not lengthy and you will come away with understanding as only a child give.

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