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The Pianist of Yarmouk

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The Pianist of Yarmouk

By: Aeham Ahmad
Narrated by: Nezar Alderazi
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About this listen

Penguin presents the audiobook edition of The Pianist of Yarmouk by Aeham Ahmad, read by Nezar Alderazi.

One morning on the outskirts of Damascus, two starving friends were walking through their war-ravaged city. They entered a once familiar street that had now been turned to rubble - concrete bridges towered over them like tombs and houses were turned inside out. One of them, Aeham, turned to the only comfort he had left - his piano - and composed a song of hope. It was a song that would reach beyond the rubble and bring a message of solidarity to his fellow Syrians, and all those suffering the devastation of war.

Growing up in a close family in Damascus, Aeham had everything he needed. At a young age, with the fervent support of his father, he fell in love with the piano. Yet, as the years passed the brutal civil war began to tear apart both Aeham's city and his life until he lost friends, family and eventually his home. Forced to leave his country alone and seek safety, he was left with nothing but his gifts as a musician.

This is the captivating account of Aeham's life; a gripping portrait of a man's search for peace, and of a country that has been fiercely torn apart by war.

 Eastern Europe Historical Military & War War Celebrity Piano Inspiring Heartfelt Military Musician

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Critic reviews

Ahmad has created a moving and visceral account of conflict, hope and the power of music
An epic story
Suddenly opened a hidden door to reality
Aeham Ahmad is a talented and brave man of peace. Please read his book and pass it on to anyone who doesn't know or understand the plight of today's refugees
If ever confirmation that music and love will always defeat misery and tyranny was needed, Ahmad's testimony delivers it in the humblest and most moving way
All stars
Most relevant
This book offers a compelling insight into how close we live to the edge, even with education and problem-solving skills. The author begins in a quiet suburb of Damascus, facing discrimination and caring for his disabled father. But life is upended after the failed Syrian revolution engulfed Yarmouk in 2014, sweeping ordinary people into chaos. It seems like the author survived by sheer luck or divine intervention. He shares the values of many professionals I know, but his courage and integrity stand out. Although he’s better known in Germany and the Arab world, this book reveals both his and his community’s achievements and the lasting scars they bear.

Extremely moving autobiography by a cultured pianist

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A powerful insight into life in wartorn Syria. He writes sincerely and openly. the book is moving and inspiring, 100% recommend

Totally excellent

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this book became my constant companion even on the lawnmower. was able to ignore Brexit politics for a whole week and relegate it to the mildly annoying rather than a critical disaster.

an incredibly moving story

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The reader’s calm, matter of fact descriptions somehow heighten the horror of everyday brutality.
The book is filled with the best and worst of humanity. Should be compulsory reading in our schools.

Beautiful. Heart rending.

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What an amazing book! I simply couldn't stop listening. I learned so much about Syrian life before the war and the hardships of being a refugee, it was a real education. Aeham has a wonderful way with words and the book is beautifully read by Nezar Alderazi. Thank you for sharing your experience with us and keep up the great work in the face of such adversity.

Incredible

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