R
Rabih Alameddine
Rabih Alameddine is a painter and writer born in 1959. He is the author of several books including An Unnecessary Woman and The Hakawati. He currently splits his time between San Francisco and Beirut.
The Wrong End of the Telescope
The Wrong End of the Telescope
- Pages
- 368
- Published
- 2021
- Language
- English
Synopsis
Mina Simpson, a Lebanese doctor, travels to the Moria refugee camp in Lesbos, Greece, to assist her friend's NGO. Decades removed from her homeland, Mina hopes to make a difference among the many Western volunteers. She soon connects with Sumaiya, a Syrian matriarch hiding a terminal illness from her family. As Mina works to treat Sumaiya with limited resources, she confronts the harsh realities of the migrants' displacement and her own capacity to help.
Genres
Characters
Mina SimpsonProtagonist
SumaiyaSupporting
AaliyaCameo
Frequently asked questions
Does The Wrong End of the Telescope connect to Rabih Alameddine's other books?
This novel features characters and themes that echo Alameddine's previous works, particularly his exploration of Lebanese identity, displacement, and the complexities of humanitarian aid. While not a direct sequel, readers familiar with his style will recognize his distinctive narrative voice and philosophical depth.
What is the narrative structure of The Wrong End of the Telescope?
The story unfolds through a series of letters written by the protagonist, Mina, to her mother, offering an intimate and reflective perspective on her experiences. This epistolary format allows for a deeply personal and introspective journey through the events at the refugee camp.