Syria's Secret Library

Reading and Redemption in a Town Under Siege

De: Mike Thomson

Narrado por: David Rintoul

The remarkable, improbable story of a small, makeshift library in the Syrian town of Darayya, and the people who found hope and humanity in its books during the four-year siege they endured.

At the height of the Syrian Civil War, deep beneath the shattered streets of rebel-held Darayya was a secret library. This basement room filled with thousands of books, rescued under constant sniper fire from gutted buildings, was an oasis of normality in a country at war with itself.

Here, despite a devastating four-year siege, people risked their lives to read. Over a period of more than a year, Mike Thomson heard their extraordinary stories via tenuous Skype calls, emails, social media messages, and audio diaries recorded on their mobile phones.

Through the testaments of these clandestine readers, a portrait of a unique rebel enclave emerges, and with it, a richer understanding of their embattled country. Syria's rich literary history has been overshadowed by recent turmoil. But Darayya's hidden collection is a testament to the Syrian people's long, unbreakable pursuit of knowledge, enlightenment and beauty, even in their darkest hours.

When Darayya fell in the summer of 2016, it was the end of the secret library but not the courageous spirit of those who built it. This is a story of hope amid the despair, a glimmer of light in a country long cloaked in darkness.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019 Mike Thomson (P)2019 Hachette Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

"An inspiring read-humanity at its best, overcoming adversity at the height of war with the power of love for their secret library."(David Nott, author of War Doctor)

"Mike Thomson's relationship with the people of Daraya as they were being systematically smashed to pieces has produced one of the most extraordinary stories to come out of the Syrian conflict. The assembly of a library under almost daily threat of death and destruction is appalling and, at the same time, hugely inspiring. A unique tribute to the power of books and the unquenchable human spirit." (Michael Palin, author and broadcaster)

an open question

I don't know how to rate this book.. very complicated... its a book about war.

Librarian approved

I have always known the value of libraries, books, knowledge and dedicated librarians and library support staff.
This book reminds me more than ever, that in dark times such as the Syrian war, WW2 or Covid, the need for such library community life, enhances a society not diminishes. I saw it myself as people stood in my library in Summer 2020 just looking around appreciating being in person and seeing us again.
The great need and desire to embrace words and new ideas comes into focus. I will be sharing with colleagues so they can continue to appreciate our noble, badly paid and often ignored profession.