City on the Edge

In 1972, Beirut, Lebanon, Matthew lives with his family in an exclusive community of ex-patriots. He becomes a teenager, falls in love, and witnesses the city's collapse due to Western schemers, local merchants, hoodlums, and politicians. He investigates his father's identity and role in the upheaval, revealing a story of lost innocence and a coming-of-age tale for our time.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 05 August 2021
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company

In 1972, Beirut, Lebanon, a young American boy named Matthew lived with his mother and father, a rising foreign service attache, in an exclusive community of ex-patriots. As Matthew approached his teenage years, he experienced a series of transformative events, including falling in love, facing a near-death experience, and witnessing the collapse of his family and the city around him.

Set in a world of Western schemers, local merchants, hoodlums, and politicians, Matthew embarked on a quest to unravel the mystery of his father's identity and his role in the tumultuous upheaval that was shaking the city. He navigated through a complex web of relationships, where trust was scarce and secrets were abundant.

As Matthew delved deeper into the mystery, he discovered that his father was involved in a clandestine operation that threatened the stability of the city and the lives of its inhabitants. The stakes were high, and Matthew found himself caught in the crosshairs of dangerous individuals who would stop at nothing to protect their secrets.

CITY ON THE EDGE is a captivating tale that explores the themes of loss of innocence, family bonds, and the consequences of political intrigue. It is an intimate story with a broad scope, offering a wrenching vision of a city on the edge of chaos and a coming-of-age story that resonates with our contemporary times. Through Matthew's journey, the reader is transported to a bygone era, where the lines between good and evil, right and wrong, are blurred, and the consequences of one's actions can have far-reaching consequences.

The novel is filled with memorable characters, each with their own motivations and secrets. Matthew's mother, a strong and resilient woman who has sacrificed much for her family, is a constant source of support and strength. His father, a mysterious figure who keeps his true intentions hidden, is a complex character who is both alluring and dangerous. The supporting characters, including Matthew's love interest and a local merchant with ties to the underworld, add depth and complexity to the story, creating a rich and immersive experience.

The writing in CITY ON THE EDGE is masterful, with a vivid and evocative prose that transports the reader to the heart of Beirut. The author's attention to detail is impeccable, and the historical setting is brought to life with vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue. The pace of the story is slow and deliberate, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the characters and the world they inhabit.

In conclusion, CITY ON THE EDGE is a must-read for anyone who enjoys mystery, spy stories, and coming-of-age narratives. With its rich characters, intricate plot, and atmospheric writing, this novel offers a captivating glimpse into a bygone era and a cautionary tale for our contemporary times.

Weight: 482g
Dimension: 163 x 243 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780316528542