Longlisted for the 2019 International Prize for Arabic Fiction

“Youssif Kamal lends his flexible baritone to this ambitious novel about the universal feeling of wanting to belong.… Kamal's narration is smooth and well-paced, almost to the point of a silkiness that reflects the more sensual moments of the plot. Listeners will be entranced by this performance. Through Kamal's characterization, we feel empathy for Dawoud as he changes his name, religion, and personality in order to escape a dark secret.… This is a surprising story with unique twists.”—AudioFile Magazine

“With a gravelly voice, narrator Youssif Kamal fully inhabits the character of Dawoud, conveying his gnawing worries and stress, and also his satisfaction and relief when his stories are taken at face value. Kamal's unmediated, authentic presentation captures the complexity of a person trapped in terrible circumstances—always waiting to be caught out, yet hopeful that he might find a place to call home. This uncomfortable but illuminating listen should appeal to listeners interested in exploring the intersection of identity, religion, and culture. Share with fans of Omer Friedland's The Man Who Sold Air in the Holy Land or Ru Freeman's Sleeping Alone.”—Library Journal

“A captivating tale of one man’s tireless journey to belong.”—Booklist