The Beekeeper of Aleppo cover art

The Beekeeper of Aleppo

A Moving Testament to the Human Spirit

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The Beekeeper of Aleppo

By: Christy Lefteri
Narrated by: Art Malik
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About this listen

Shortlisted for Audiobook of the Year - the British Book Awards 2020.

Moving, powerful, compassionate and beautifully written, The Beekeeper of Aleppo is a testament to the triumph of the human spirit. Told with deceptive simplicity, it is the kind of book that reminds us of the power of storytelling.

In the midst of war, he found love.

In the midst of darkness, he found courage.

In the midst of tragedy, he found hope.

Nuri is a beekeeper, his wife, Afra, an artist. They live a simple life, rich in family and friends, in the beautiful Syrian city of Aleppo - until the unthinkable happens. When all they care for is destroyed by war, they are forced to escape. But what Afra has seen is so terrible she has gone blind, and so they must embark on a perilous journey through Turkey and Greece towards an uncertain future in Britain. On the way, Nuri is sustained by the knowledge that waiting for them is Mustafa, his cousin and business partner, who has started an apiary and is teaching fellow refugees in Yorkshire to keep bees.

As Nuri and Afra travel through a broken world, they must confront not only the pain of their own unspeakable loss but dangers that would overwhelm the bravest of souls. Above all - and perhaps this is the hardest thing they face - they must journey to find each other again.

©2019 Christy Lefteri (P)2019 Bonnier Books UK
Coming of Age Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Inspiring Tear-jerking Thought-Provoking War Heartfelt Funny Feel-Good

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Critic reviews

"This is a novel of international significance. Courageous, provocative, haunting, it will open our eyes." (Heather Morris, author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz)

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I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book. The story was sad but beautiful. The struggle to not only leave your home and country to fight for survival. To take what you can and hope and pray you make it to a better life. This book was a wonderful hope filled read. 100% recommended.

Beautiful Book

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This is a very special book and I think everyone should read it to gain an insight into the lives of those forced from homes and family in the deepest distress through no fault of their own. It is a beautifully written book, full of empathy and love and I’m tearful even as I write this. I think Art Malik was moved as he read it because I could hear it in his voice. Thank you Christy for revealing these beautiful people to us. Let us open every gate to show them kindness and grace.

Weeping

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The world would be a better place if every child understood this book. It's brilliant.

Story of incredible spirit and determination.

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A beautiful gentle story of two peoples PTSD amid a sad and terrifying account of refugees on the journey to safety. Beautifully written. Wonderfully told. An account that reminds us all of what it’s like to lose everything and conquer loss. Thank you Christy.

Beekeepers wonder

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As a solicitor representing asylum seekers, I was reluctant to listen to this book, thinking that it would be too similar to my work. However, it brought to life the stories of the asylum seekers I represent in a different way, and is so beautifully written and is so captivating, that I wish I had listened to/read it sooner. Although some of the portrayals of the asylum system are incorrect, for example the type of accommodation asylum seekers are housed in and the content of the first interview, this is only a minor criticism, and it did not prevent me from giving it 5 stars.

Exposing the reality of asylum seekers’ journeys to the UK

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