Koolaids

In this captivating narrative, Rabih Alameddine explores the life of Aaliya Saleh, a seventy-two-year-old woman living alone in Beirut, who finds solace in her vast collection of untranslated books. As she reflects on her existence as an "unnecessary" member of her family, readers witness her emotional journey through memories of the Lebanese Civil War and her own turbulent past. Aaliya’s dedication to translating literature reveals her profound connection to the written word, even as she faces a personal crisis that threatens to upend her solitude. This poignant story celebrates the transformative power of literature and the complexities of a woman's life in the Middle East.