Sami

Sami is the main character and first person narrator of the novel. At the start of Boy, Everywhere, Sami is in the eighth grade and is 13 years old. Sami lives in Damascus, Syria with his family, Baba, Mama, and Sara. He enjoys the school that he attends. He is best friends with Joseph and plays football. Although it is not secret to Sami that “Most of Syria [has been] torn apart because of the war,” Sami has allowed himself to believe that neither the rebels nor the government officials will invade Damascus (6). Because he does not want his life to change, Sami convinces himself that in spite of the other political unrest in his surrounding country, “Damascus is safe” (7, Dassu’s italics). Therefore, when Sami learns that the Cham City Center Mall where his mother and sister were shopping that morning has been bombed, he is overwhelmed by...