The Hakawati

In "The Hakawati," Osama al-Kharrat returns to Beirut in 2003 to be by his father's side as he nears death. Surrounded by family, stories emerge that weave together the rich tapestry of his grandfather's tales and classic Middle Eastern legends featuring figures like Abraham, Isaac, and the valiant Baybars. Through Osama's journey, the narrative explores the complex lives of contemporary Lebanese men and women amidst a backdrop of war and identity. Rabih Alameddine crafts a modern Arabian Nights that captures both personal and collective histories.