Farewell Babylon: Coming of Age in Jewish Baghdad
Judaism, community, friendship, love, Farhoud, and above all, reading and writing, form the core of Kattan's vibrant telling of his upbringing in Jewish Baghdad during the mid-20th century. The book is infused with vivid descriptions . . . The book functions as a loving homage to a time and community that has since virtually disappeared. It is written in tones that convey the wonderment, yearnings and joys of a boy who, in becoming a young man, discovers the meaning of deepening friendships, the first stirrings and fumbling pursuits of love and desire and the beauty of learning to read fluently in Arabic and French. Beautifully written memories of a youth filled with literature, language, family, friendship, love, lust and a place that is no more. --KirkusA fine portrait of a particular place and time that is no more. --Library JournalIn all respects, a most moving and haunting work. --Montreal Star