House of Stone

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In 2006, Shadid, an Arab-American journalist from Oklahoma, was covering Israel's attack on Lebanon when he learned that an Israeli rocket had struck his great-grandfather's ancestral home. After witnessing extensive violence and turmoil during his career, he found himself disillusioned with the region and its conflicts, which had also cost him his marriage. In search of renewal, he embarked on a journey to restore his family's home in the town they had helped settle. The reconstruction process was fraught with challenges, including strong-willed craftsmen, family disputes, and Lebanon's ongoing political issues. However, as he immersed himself in small-town life, Shadid's understanding of the Middle East deepened, allowing him to confront his family's emigrant history and the town's legacy. In a poignant epilogue, he reflects on his return to the house after a harrowing experience as a prisoner of war in Libya, alongside his daughter's first visit. Blending human interest with insightful storytelling, Shadid explores themes of loss, community, and the complexities of the Middle East, making this narrative resonate with readers interested in the region and the immigrant experience.