Rebirth

A Love Story From the Depths of War
Antoun Issa powerfully captures his mother's true experiences of love, heartbreak and new hope during the violence of civil war.

Antoun Issa powerfully captures his mother's true experiences of love, heartbreak and new hope during the violence of civil war.

Beirut, 1974. Laila Khalil has just come of age for marriage. The eldest of five in a poor Catholic family, Laila knows that she must fulfil her family's expectations. But her heart is drawn to the handsome Nicolas, a coiffeur at a local hair salon. Dodging the watchful eyes in their patriarchal society, particularly those of Laila's domineering father, the two young lovers begin a tender romance. Soon, they make plans for marriage.

But Laila's dreams are dashed when the Lebanese Civil War breaks out.

Shells whir overhead as Laila's family are caught in heavy clashes between the Phalangists and the Palestinian Liberation Organisation. When tragedy strikes, Laila watches all her hopes wither to ash. But just as life seems its darkest, a lifeline presents itself: the prospect of migration to a faraway land called Australia.

Rebirth brings to light a young woman's extraordinary journey through war, tragedy, migration and renewal.

'A compelling narrative of a Lebanese Australian family on an intimate domestic scale - one that honours the lost yet affirms and emphasises resilience and connection' THE AGE

'A timely reminder of the suffering of the Lebanese people and the resilience required to begin again' SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

'The world Issa weaves is so warm, pacy and vivid, with such a vibrant protagonist' THE GUARDIAN

'Written both beautifully and heartbreakingly, Rebirth reveals the real and ugly truths of a story often neglected' HONI SOIT

'Issa's narrative has a laudable immediacy: its events are brutal and keenly felt . Pulsating with tragedy and resilience, it highlights our inability to escape fate, while reminding us that there's always strength in community, identity and understanding the past' SARAH AYOUB, SATURDAY AGE

'An important and timely reminder of the families behind the headlines, the horrors of war, and the pain of forced migration' GOOD READING MAGAZINE

UK Delivery:

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Dispatch and Delivery Times:

• All orders are shipped from our warehouse in Northampton, UK within 48 hours of receipt during working hours.
• UK mainland orders typically arrive within 3-5 working days via Royal Mail 2nd Class.
• International estimated delivery times:
• Europe & Channel Islands: 7 to 10 working days
• USA: 7 to 15 working days
• Rest of the World: 9 to 21 working days

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