Prin celălalt capăt al telescopului

In 2016, Mina Simpson goes to Lesbos to help Syrian refugees. She is a trans doctor of Lebanese-Syrian origin. She also hopes to see her brother there. Her life story unfolds amid the Greek island’s crisis. Mina tells the story and feels the weight of who she is.

Rabih Alameddine’s novel links the trauma of refugees and LGBTQ people. It shows how people form bonds when disaster strikes. It explores love and the ways people stay true to others. It also looks at what they give up for others. Alongside these acts, it shows cruelty, shame and lack of care. Small, private moments link each life to wider events.

The book asks how writers can tell of human disaster. Their stories show only parts, not the whole. This concern shapes the book more than a standard plot. Alameddine looks past news reports, which can skew the lives they show. He sets shallow views against the depth of life as people live it.

Ona Frantz put this edition into its new language from English. Frantz also wrote notes for it.