Overview

Beirut, 1985. Amid the destruction and chaos of the Lebanese Civil War, romantic and idealistic fifteen-year-old Hoda longs for love above all else. Believing they are safeguarding their daughter's honor, Hoda's parents force her into an arranged marriage with Tony, a man more than twice her age. Swayed by his generous gifts and attention, Hoda believes Tony's promises of a better life away from her shattered city. But will her marriage be the fairytale she dreams it to be? Bound by religious law and familial duties, Hoda must play the hand she was dealt: to be a devoted wife, a good mother, and a faithful daughter, even if it means remaining silent about the truth. A tender, thought-provoking tale of female identity and finding one's voice, Veil of Silence is a powerful story of love and loss, tradition and independence, and the redeeming quality of friendship and family.

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9781967510528

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Reviews

""If you wonder what dreams are made of, you are in for a surprise with Abi-Saab's, Veil of Silence. If you've ever asked yourself whose dream you are living, read this novel."" -Barbara Sapienza, author of Anchor Out, The Laundress, and The Girl in the White Cape ""Through the lens of one family and its traditions, author Danielle Abi-Saab depicts life's triumphs and agonies during the ongoing Lebanese Civil War. In Veil of Silence, she probes the culture that adheres to ancient customs even at the approach of the 1990s, and she does so touchingly and unflinchingly. Layered with the protagonist's intimate experience is the impact of heritage, and we as readers harvest a poignant masterclass in historical fiction."" -Diane Dewey, author of Fixing the Fates ""Veil of Silence is the beautiful, unflinching sage of Hoda, a remarkable young woman alone in the world, trapped in an arranged marriage in a repressive society, played out against the backdrop of civil war. Hoda's longing for love and peace and her courage to persevere-against all odds-kept me rooting for her to the very end of the novel. Heartbreaking, enlightening, and inspiring. I couldn't put it down."" -Liz Keller Whitehurst, author of Messenger ""Veil of Silence takes us into the world of a sixteen-year-old Lebanese girl, Hoda, who dreams of being married to a boy whom she loves. Thrust into an arranged marriage and without education, she is abused by a mercurial and emotionally disturbed husband while her country is destroyed by war. In this cautionary but lyrical story full of Lebanese traditions, only Hoda's inventiveness and resilience can return her to her children and grandchildren. Hoda reminds us why all women must oppose patriarchy, war, and the loss of basic human rights."" -Susan Hewitt, author ""Danielle Abi-Saab gives us a thoughtful and moving portrait of a young girl trapped by the harsh realities of war and cultural expectations. Forced into an arranged marriage at just sixteen, Hoda never lets go of her dreams, risking everything for love and clinging to hope as she fights for independence and freedom."" -Maya Myers, author and editor

Author Information

Danielle Abi-Saab is a Lebanese-born American clinical psychologist and bioclinical researcher turned writer with a love of storytelling. She is also learning German and enjoys pottery, oil painting, crocheting, and hiking. She lives in Switzerland with her husband and two children. ""Veil of Silence"" is her first novel and was inspired by the true story of a friend who was pressured into marrying a much older man.

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