Furat is a gay man living in Syria. Living in a society that does not accept his way of life, As he finds happiness he must flee the regime and begin a new life in Sweden,
The author does a good job at showing Furat's struggle. Difficult topics are covered. He's just a man who wants love and happiness in his life. To get there he must go through many hardships.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to see an ARC

This is the first novel by Khaled Alesmael, a Syrian author, and it's truly a beautiful book. The story revolves around a man's journey of survival from Syria to seeking refuge in Sweden. It's an important work that sheds light on gay life in Syria, which has been deeply affected by the civil war. I'm pleased to see more books emerging from the Middle East in recent years, and I hope this one reaches a wide audience.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author, Khaled Alesmael, World Editions publishing, and Leri Price (the translator who did an amazing job from what I can tell) for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Wow....I loved this!

Selamlik, is the story of Farat, a Syrian gay man who seeks asylum in Sweden after living through horrific violence, prejudice, and loss, but also intense pleasure, self discovery, and love in Syria. When Farat gets to Sweden things are better in some ways but there are new challenges, and Farat grapples with mixed emotions towards both his homeland and his new home and community.

It is written like a memoir, with the main character, Farat, recounting his story in a non-linear fashion, going back and forth in time, starting and stopping in the middle, and weaving in dreams, poetic musings, and sexual fantasies that often sometimes combine violence and pleasure. It is incredibly raw and so beautifully written. It is not overly graphic, but it doesn't shy away from difficult and disturbing themes either. It is filled with tenderness and hope.

this was so lyrical, so beautiful, so heartbreaking, and at its core, so real. a struggle so many men face now - hiding their true selves because society doesn't accept them as they are, being "abnormal". a tale of curiosity and desire, of humor and heartbreak. truly a book many should read.