The story begins with a parting of the sands – the construction of the Suez Canal in 1869 that united the Mediterranean with the Arabian Sea. It opened the door of opportunity for people living insecurely on the fringes of a turbulent Europe. The Middle East is understood today through the lens of unending conflict and violence. Lost in the litany of perpetual strife and struggle are the layers of culture and civilisation that accumulated over centuries, and which give the region its cosmopolitan identity. It was once a region known poetically as the Levant – a reference to the East, where the sun rose. Amid the bewildering mix of races, religions and rivalries, was above all an affinity with the three monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. This is the story of the author’s family – consummate outsiders and people set adrift – who built new lives and prospered in holy lands.

Author Michael Vatikiotis Published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson ISBN 9781474613194 EAN 9781474613194 Bic Code Cover Hardback