My short review about the novel Terrorist University: It’s not about religion. It’s about the culture written by Allen E SAWANN
I decided to write this short review for Allen E. Sawan’s novel, « Terrorist University », because in my point of view, it delivers a special message to Lebanon and worldwide.
Whereas it is a fiction, it is written mixing the styles of a short dairy and a photographic report, as we can see the events through the eyes and deep reflexions of the main protagonists..
I was caught by the description of their feelings and their visions of the Lebanese Civil War, beginning on April 13, 1975, through the memories of their childhood confronted to the new reality of the war.
Sometimes it’s like you were in hell by reading the accurate descriptions of violent terrorist attacks and the victims’ bodies.
(the scenes of The Bus Massacre or Ain el-Rammaneh incident for example).
I was also moved by the division between Christians and Muslims communities due to this war and the different points of view of the protagonist bringing to light the memories of their past during their chilhood.
One of the first quote of A.Sawan, from Khalil Gibran, says:
« I love you when you bow in your mosque, kneel in your temple, pray in your church. For you and I are sons of one religion, and it is the spirit »
I think it is an invitation to meditate on this troubled and traumatic historical event to promote reconciliation and to permit the resilience for a new beginning, for all the members of the Lebanese community who love this country and protect it.
Audrey JACOB
May 2015
Link on Amazon.com
The Owl Criminology 