The Tower - by Shereen Malherbe (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Reem is a Syrian refugee who has arrived in London, trying to discover the whereabouts of her
10-year old brother, Adar. Obsessed with history and consumed by her fragmented memories of
home, Reem is also hiding secrets she hopes will never be revealed.

After being placed in a tower block, she befriends Leah; a single mother who has been forced to
leave her expensive South Kensington townhouse. Their unlikely friendship supports them as
they attempt to find their place in a relentless, heaving city, and come to terms with the homes
they left behind.

Both bold and timely, The Tower shows how Reem and Leah's lives change and intersect in the
wake of individual and communal tragedy, as well as in their struggle to adapt to a rapidly
shifting society.

Review Quotes

Reem is a Syrian refugee who has arrived in London, trying to discover the whereabouts of her 10-year old brother, Adar. Obsessed with history and consumed by her fragmented memories of home, Reem is also hiding secrets she hopes will never be revealed.

After being placed in a tower block, she befriends Leah; a single mother who has been forced to leave her expensive South Kensington townhouse. Their unlikely friendship supports them as they attempt to find their place in a relentless, heaving city, and come to terms with the homes they left behind.

Both bold and timely, The Tower shows how Reem and Leah's lives change and intersect in the wake of individual and communal tragedy, as well as in their struggle to adapt to a rapidly shifting society.

Nadia, Headscarves & Hardbacks

The Tower by Shereen Malherbe is a superbly written, movie-like novel about the tragic lives of two brave women. The Tower was heart-pounding, heart-warming, and heart-wrenching.

You really connect to all of the characters and feel a part of their family.

I loved The Tower's vivid imagery, especially the mouth-watering descriptions of Middle Eastern food.
The Tower gives a human face to the war in Syria, as well as to Muslims. It is a much needed book in today's Islamophobic era. The ending was absolutely the best ending I could ask for. If you are looking for a book to stimulate your five senses and inspire your heart and soul, The Tower is for you.

Sheima Sumer