By: Kathryn Silver-Hajo
ISBN: 978-1953447470
Flowersong Press, 2023
Kathryn Silver-Hajo's debut novel paints an unforgettable portrait of the life of young protagonist, Noor, as she navigates the dangers of civil war in her native Lebanon and the challenges of life in the diaspora in the New York City of the 1970s. Silver-Hajo deftly portrays the tragedy of a country torn apart by sectarian conflict, but also the excitement of the teenaged narrator's coming-of-age adventures. But when her mother reveals a closely-held secret, Noor is shaken, yet wiser and more determined than ever to define her place in the world. The characters and events that animate Roots of the Banyan Tree promise to burrow deep in readers' hearts and refuse to be forgotten.
About the Author
Kathryn studied in the Creative Writing MFA program at Emerson College, has a degree in Middle Eastern studies, and speaks Arabic fluently. After graduating, she moved to Beirut from Boston with her future husband and lived there for several years during times of war and conflict—but also of joy and inspiration. Kathryn Silver-Hajo is a 2023 Pushcart Prize, Best Small Fictions, and Best American FoodWriting nominee. She is a reader for FracturedLit. Kaya. In addition to writing, she is a passionate cook and explorer of places near and far. She continues to have a robust family and social network in the Middle East. She lives in Providence with her husband and saucy, curly-tailed pup,
To learn more about Kathryn Silver-Hajo and her work, please see www.kathrynsilverhajo.com