Sea side Paperback – March 12, 2011

Two women and two men: Two love stories, tender and passionate. The novel is narrated through the voices of their protagonists, Amar and Youssef, and reads like a diary as the reader becomes privy to their most intimate thoughts and feelings for one another and their friends, Yasmina and Yazan. In lyrical language, the story weaves itself from an already romantic beginning to an even more romantic ending, not without a few elements of mystery, suspense and surprise. A lovely, charming novel, a joint effort of two writers and a bit of a travel book as well, as it introduces the reader to the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea along the coast of Syria.

From the first page I was hooked. Maybe it was the vivid descriptions of the beautiful Syrian sea side, the chase between the protagonists, or the honesty about human emotions that had me turning page after page.The novel is unique in that it was written chapter by chapter in alternating sequence between Mariyah who takes you deep into the female protagonist's mind (Amar) and Abufares who tells the story from the male protagonist's viewpoint (Youssef). Each one of us can relate to the story. Sometimes I found myself reliving some moments from the past. I found myself so attached to characters that they would cross my mind while at at work. At times I found myself re-reading a few sentences, mainly because the they written so beautifully, so perfectly, that I thought there's no way someone can materialize that moment with words.I totally recommend the novel, and I'm eagerly waiting future works.

A romantic novel with unexpected twists set in modern day Syria along the beautiful Levantine coast. It is an easy, fluid read, with the two authors alternating chapters telling the story in the first person each from the point of view of one of the two principal protagonists. Each author has a distinctive style that helps bring to life the personality of each character. One also feels, in the alternating chapters, a palpable creative tension between the two authors. Highly recommended both as an entertaining read but also provides, for the uninitiated, a glimpse at the cultural, social and political of a beautiful and troubled land.

Sea Side is amazingly written. What a beautiful story. The Authors put you right into the story. I said, Oh boy, I am feeling every move, seeing every scene. I hope that someday this story will make it to the movie theaters. Highly recommended

A dive into the colors and flavors of Syria where past and present are described with such harmony and elegance. Sea Side is an original novel you would like to read once again for the sweet pleasure to identify oneself with unique protagonists in a so exceptional environment.Antonio

I was never a fan of romantic novels, but you will not be able to stop reading this one until you finish it. It was really great to read both writers alternating chapters as each writes how he /she views his / her lover. Love it

Jasmine infused transparent air, sparkling Mediterranean sea and shooting stars. And, plenty of romance matters :-)I simply love it.Good luck with your next one.

To read "Sea Side" is to be drawn into the lives of four individuals whose lives end up intertwining in an unforseen way. Sensuality, love, honor, friendships made against the backdrop of deceit and envy. With the back and forth between the two authors, Mariyah and Abufares writing consecutive chapters, the anticipation of how each is going to play off the other keeps one captivated. Descriptions make you taste, smell, feel, as if you are there in Syria with them. Particularly poignant, set as it is. Recommended reading for the romantic and hopeful, the dreamers and survivors.