1. In what way or ways do you "connect" with the book The Rock of Tanios by Amin Maalouf? In what way is it accessible or familiar to you?
Amin Maalfouf who is the author of this book is Lebanese. One element that I'm sure many Lebanese readers can agree with is that the cultural allusions scattered throughout the plot make it much more familiar. I found myself smiling when I came across the words "kishk" and "meghli", two types of Lebanese cuisine. Names of different areas in Lebanon are also included. Even our culture is well-portrayed, such as male dominance, and hypocrisy. Although I disagreed with many choices made by the characters, I could understand their decisions because I felt a certain connection with them. For example, I understood Roukouz's betrayal, Gerios' crime, and Asma's submissiveness, on a certain level. Maalouf describes their actions in a way that allows the reader to see both sides of a story.
