Damascus, Syria

Damascus is the city in Syria where Sami and his family are from. This is therefore the narrative backdrop for the novel's opening chapters. For as long as he can remember, Damascus has not only been Sami's home, but the only place in Syria that appears untouched by the war. Therefore, when Sami hears about the rebel bombing at the Cham City Center Mall, Sami is overwhelmed by fear and confusion. Because Baba and Mama know this bombing is only the start of unrest in Damascus, Sami's parents decide to flee Syria altogether.

Throughout the novel, Sami struggles to adjust to life outside of Syria. He is not only forced into a series of unfamiliar settings and environments, but longs for his home city and country. Leaving Syria has meant saying goodbye to his grandmother, school, friends, and community. Although Sami often dreams of returning to Damascus...