Summer with the Enemy

Summer with the Enemy is a novel written in Arabic language by Syrian writer Shahla Ujaili and translated to English Michelle Hartman. It follows life stories complex relations of three women Lamees, her mother Najwa, grandmother Karma. describes evolution societies political milieu Syria from 1920s till civil war around 2010s. The starts present time, when young woman, having fled ISIS siege on hometown Raqqa, seeks asylum Germany, Cologne, reunites Abboud, childhood sweetheart. In series flashbacks, narrator, recollects episodes Syria, giving vivid, nuanced description culture Raqqa before during war. value this stems its honest depiction women's lives within various class systems, marital relations, changing historical circumstances, their adaptability change outside homeland.