Read a collection of first-person Syrian stories
We Crossed a Bridge and It Trembled — Wendy Pearlman
What to Read This Week
We Crossed a Bridge and It Trembled: Voices from Syria by Wendy Pearlman
What It’s About
Wendy Pearlman, a political science professor and scholar of Middle East politics, began interviewing Syrian refugees after the 2011 uprising, protesting the government and calling for reform. They demanded something many of us take for granted: democracy and basic human rights. This protest enraged the government, which turned into a civil war, destroying the lives of thousands as they try to keep their loved ones safe.
This is the collection of these interviews, first-hand accounts from Syrians during this tumultuous time. Some chose to stay, some tried to flee, some tried to fight, and others tried to protect their loved ones. They discussed how fearful they’ve been under the current authoritarian regime and their struggle to provide a safe home for their families.
The stories that make it far and wide are often not the stories of people just like us: ordinary citizens with mothers and fathers and children who want to go to school and live a quiet life. This collection is about those people: the ones who are just like everyone else in the world. And amid the terror of the war and the uncertainty of their present day, they remain hopeful and wishful for a future that may be better for their children.
Why You Should Read It
There are a lot of conflicts happening worldwide right now that affect a lot of people and are displacing them from their homes, families, and communities. I did not learn a lot about world history growing up, and it wasn’t until I started reading and became more active online that I was able to truly learn about people on different continents—continents I had been taught my whole life were not as good as the one I was living on. I do not think that at all anymore, thankfully, and reading stories from authors around the world has played a big part in educating me about the world.
It can feel overwhelming to stay up to date on the news constantly; our 24-hour news cycle is logistically impossible to keep up with, and a book can provide some of that knowledge while not being detrimental to mental health, especially if the news is something that greatly influences your mental health. We Crossed a Bridge and It Trembled is an emotional, personal collection of stories from real people that will help you see a new piece of the world you haven’t before. Other important books like this are Without You, There Is No Us and Solito, which Lupita of Lupita Reads is hosting a book club for, with questions going live October 11, so you still have time to read and join in. My copy just arrived, and I’ll be diving in soon!
Next Up
I’m giving away a copy of Leech and Thistlefoot over on my Instagram for US readers: click the link in the caption to enter! Comment with a black heart emoji, and I’ll know you came from the newsletter (you’ll get a bonus entry)!
I finished up The Finalists (super riveting but didn’t love the ending), and I’m starting Still Life, my first-ever Louise Penny novel. I’m excited to follow along with the new short-run newsletter Notes from Three Pines and dive into this long-running and beloved mystery series.
More Books
Can’t get enough, or looking for a different recommendation? Browse the archives, or check out some popular past recommendations:
Read a novel about a reality TV family keeping secrets behind the cameras
Read a twisted dark academia novel about women seeking revenge
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I don't know, I just may have to stop following you (not really). My TBR list just keeps growing!!!
I've just started "Still Life" too! Notes From Three Pines is a really fun place to dip my toe into all things Louise Penny.
I'm adding "We Crossed a Bridge" to my TBR list. War and displacement and resilience look very different when they are described by the people living the experiences. These stories are specific and universal. Thank you for highlighting the book.
My TBR list is long and getting longer but how can that be a bad thing?