Where the Jasmine Blooms
Zeina Sleiman

This novel is a story of resilience. There are many internal and external battles that Yasmine and Reem face. Alongside the supporting characters, this made this story so robust. Yasmine is in the middle of finalizing a divorce. She is craving connection to the family her mother had to leave behind. Yasmine has no idea what her future holds.

Prior to her trip to Lebanon, she fosters a relationship with her cousin Reem. Unlike Yasmine, she has experienced the devastation of what war time can bring. She knows first hand how being a refugee with limited status negatively affects her quality of life. She wants the opportunities Yasmine has been afforded. Reem doesn’t understand why Yasmine needs to bring up the past or force others to revisit those buried memories.

I would argue that there were many focal points beyond or rather in conjunction to the framework of political turmoil. This historical fiction took me on a journey that addresses both personal and cultural identity. In Yasmine’s pursuit for the familiarity that was lost in the migration to a different country. She now gains her own stories to relate with others that have similar struggles.

Along with all of that, she finds solace in Ziyad. He is on his own journey, but they become like a sounding board for each other. I loved every moment of their interaction. The love was unmistakably evident.

Reem goes through so much. She is shaken by the things that have happened in the past and present, but she regains her footing, thankfully. When she sees a good opportunity, even with doubt lurking, she pushes forward.

#readandtellwithshantel #netgalley #zeinasleiman #wherethejasmineblooms

Told in alternating narratives, Where the Jasmine Blooms tells the story of two cousins, Yasmine and Reem in 2006. Yasmine has grown up in Canada and is going through a divorce. She arrives in Lebanon for six months of research work for her PhD and to look for answers about her estranged father. Reem has grown up in a Palestinian refugee camp and teaches at a local college. She is desperate to leave the country, but being a Palestinian, it isn't easy.

The story provides insight into the Lebanese civil war, its fatalities and the political divide which was gripping to read. It also provides insight into the horrific Israeli attacks of 2006.

Written beautifully, Zeina Sleiman captures the essence of life in Lebanon - the haves and the have nots and the painful past that many have endured. Despite being a gripping read, I would have liked more depth to Ziyad's character and a happy sense of closure for him and Yasmine. Also, I really wish that the ending hadn't been so abrupt.

This book is one of the first I read about Palestinian characters, specifically refugees and diaspora, that doesn't take place in the West, and it has helped me get a better grasp on how Palestinians are treated in other countries. I think it's a story that does really well in calling out the systemic injustices towards the Palestinian people and helps us understand even more than beyond a ceasefire, there are a lot of reparations that the world owes them.

I really liked the fact that Yasmine and Reem's lives were so different even if what they want feels very similar. It's a double POV story so we get to see all the ways in which both women struggle to understand each other, how conflict arises from it and yet they also bond so much over the little moments of mutual understanding. One thing I found so lovely is how Yasmine helped Reem be more comfortable expressing her rage and how Reem shared her courage and strength with Yasmine when she was at her most vulnerable.

I also really liked how this book was very beautifully rooted in love for Palestinian and Lebanese culture and arts, there's a lot I learned from reading it and especially from the glossary at the end.

The writing in this wasn't always my favorite, it sure has great moments but I didn't really like how dialogue took so much space, especially as it was often repetitive. The story beats also felt a little off, it dragged a lot at the beginning and rushes to the conclusion at the end.

Nonetheless, this was an interesting and insightful read. It focuses a lot on the emotions of the characters and what they live through rather than a defined point A to point B plot so if you enjoy those types of stories, I would recommend it. It's also an interesting read to learn about how displacement and attacks affect individuals' lives especially when those things are a continuous threat looming over them.

"Our families are filled with the secrets that harbour the pain of our displacement." This book was incredible. The way the author placed the reader in the story, even though the experiences in the book are so different to that of most Westerners, was amazing. It was also even more poignant knowing that this story is based on some of the author's real experiences, and it was certainly thought-provoking. As much as this story is a profound and harrowing tale of multiple generations and the hidden histories of war and displacement, it is also a wake-up call, and I know of many people who should read this book.

This book wrecked me in the best way. Zeina Sleiman crafts a deeply personal yet widely resonant story of Palestinian identity, displacement, and the weight of memory. It’s about loss, survival, and how history lingers in the smallest moments, in jasmine-scented air and family stories passed down like heirlooms. The Palestinian representation feels raw and honest, showing the complexity of holding onto a homeland that exists more in memory than in reality. I really loved the way that the ongoing political history and climate was woven in. Nakba, occupation, and forced exile and displacement were discussed not as distant tragedies but as lived realities that are shaping every generation. I feel like it truly captures the weight of what it means to be a Palestinian refugee (though do I by no means actually know what that is like), including the grief, the erasure, and the constant resistance to just exist. She explores intergenerational trauma, belonging, and the resilience of love and culture, in such a beautiful way. This read was emotional, political, and deeply personal. If you’ve ever felt like home is something you have to fight to define, this one will stay with you.

Where the Jasmine Blooms by Zeina Sleiman is a beautifully layered exploration of love, family, and identity that resonated deeply with me. Yasmine's journey from heartbreak in Toronto to uncovering long-hidden truths in Lebanon felt incredibly authentic and emotionally rich. Her struggle to reconcile her past while finding a sense of belonging was both moving and relatable. The bond between Yasmine and her cousin Reem added a powerful dynamic, showcasing resilience and hope against the backdrop of personal and political upheaval. The mystery of the letters and the search for her father infused the story with suspense, pulling me further into the narrative. Sleiman’s vivid descriptions of Lebanon—the scents of jasmine, the bustling streets, the quiet moments at Merriford Manor—brought the setting to life and made it a character in its own right.
What struck me most was the novel’s ability to balance deeply personal struggles with larger themes of displacement and identity. It’s not just a story of family secrets but a testament to the strength it takes to piece oneself back together. This book lingers with you, both for its beautifully crafted prose and the heartfelt emotions it evokes. Truly a standout read that left a lasting impression.