Lebanon: A Country in Fragments Hardcover – November 1, 2018

The book is amazing - it explains pretty much every aspect of contemporary Lebanon, from politics to private life. It was written before the 2020 Beirut explosion, but you can learn why this calamity would not be so surprising to the Lebanese. You can also see why the collapse of its currency was just a matter of time. Highly recommended.

This is a marvelous and comprehensive read on this remarkable, beautiful and impossibly complex country. It bogged down a bit early on in the intimate detail of Lebanese politics, and I’d have liked a bit more historical context (it really focuses on post 2005). But it really came alive as it delved into the deep and rich cultural uniqueness across the country. It also made clear a series of issues (like the recently garbage crisis) that I barely understood. I read it in preparation for a recent trip, and it is as good and well written a volume on this country I love as I’ve read.

I enjoyed the level of detail in this book immensely. I am grateful someone put so much time, energy and effort into what I'm sure is a very small demographic of people who would be interested. Thanks to the author, and if you're considering a good recent book on Lebanon, this is an excellent, well written, if not verbose and academic from time to time, but still a stellar book with loads of detail. I am not an academic by any means so entirely possible I just had to use the dictionary so often because the book was written for other academics. Regardless phenomenal book, thank you for putting so much into it.

I enjoyed this book. Having visited the country last fall, I wish I had read it before my departure. Interesting coverage of every part of the small nation, sociology, culture, international relations etc. made it a fascinating adventure.

Great book!

Satisfied.

Gives you insight into Lebanon... the politics, the religions, how the country works (or not). There is a lot of corruption with the same players more interested in being in control and having power then for the benefit of the people. It assured me that I would never want to visit the country other then the novelty of seeing Beirut and then getting out of there.