The Rock of Tanios

Lovely way to show the history of a country at a certain period through the eventful life of Tanios and his father. Their daily issues, their daily fun, troubles, traditions, all intertwined with the events that shaped the country at the time. The use of the traditional Lebanese nicknames and jokes was very nicely portrayed and helped make me feel as if I just jumped back in time to witness that era.A great read, got me attached since page one, and couldn't let go of the book until it finished. Very simple yet very meaningful and full of beautiful stories that will catch your imagination with more historical knowledge.

Amin Maalouf is a great unique author! He got me with his book Samarkand and now I just have to love his books forever!

I enjoyed this novel quite a bit.

One of the most wonderful books I have ever read. Capturing, fascinating, lovely. It is mesmerizing. I will read it again no doubt, just to live that feeling once more

`In our village, the rocks had names.' With the first words I knew that I was going to delve into this book and would not bring myself to put it down until I had finished!Set in 19th century Lebanon, The title "The Rock of Tanios" refers to a peculiar rock formation, looking like a great stone chair, that dominated the Lebanese village of Kfaryabda. The central characters are Sheikh Francis, a Christian Arab, and the sheikh's illegitimate offspring, Tanios. When I first started reading the book, I was on the quest to find why the rock was named after Tanios. Little did I know that that was the last thing that I was going to learn from this gripping tale. Through the fates and legends of these characters Maalouf creates a historical romance filled with local myths, political games, treachery, and love.I would have to say that one of Maalouf's main themes is lost or forbidden love; how we fall in love with what's different from us, and discover we're different from what we thought we were.And, it is forbidden love, which tears Tanios' family apart and drives him into exile.Deceiving as hope might be, a twist in fate and luck brings Tanios back to his mother's bosom. Ironically, as he finally makes it to his beloved home, Tanios is left yet again as the estranged boy who did not truly know his own identity, or did he?An amazing read, Maalouf has done it again. A prize well deserved for his fascinating imagination to mix true life with fiction.

Beautifully written, fascinating interpersonal relationships displayed, and gives great insight into the daily life and politics of the region during the Ottoman empire.

nicely written and translated; subject matter quite interesting and relevant. Again:nicely written and translated; subject matter quite interesting and relevant

as advertised...

like all his books a must read

Mr Maalouf is probably my firm favourite fiction author today (FFFAT). His gift is to transport you effortlessly into the past, whether that be ancient mazdayasnan Ctesiphon/Tisfon or muslim Samarqand or anyplace he wishes. Just brilliant.

A book recommended by a friend. Excellent in every way! Will be looking for more books by this author in the near future!

Excellent produce and service.

Everything as expected, Excellent choice, great purchase.