The Druze of Belgrade

Winner of the 'Arab Booker Prize' 2010, The Druze of Belgrade is a sweeping historical novel that delves into the complex world of the Druze community, told through the saga of the Durani family. Set in early 20th-century Belgrade, the story follows Adham Durani, a patriarch who flees his native Mount Lebanon to settle in Serbia. As the region experiences the upheaval of the First World War and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, Adham and his family confront their position as outsiders amidst shifting political and social dynamics.

Jaber masterfully explores themes of identity, displacement, and the tension between preserving cultural heritage and assimilating into a new society. Through rich, multi-layered characters and meticulous historical detail, the novel paints a poignant portrait of the Durani family, caught between tradition and assimilation. The personal stories of Adham, his wife Fatima, and their descendants mirror the broader forces at play in the Balkans, from nationalist movements to generational conflict. The Druze of Belgrade is a deeply moving exploration of resilience, loss, and the enduring power of family in turbulent times.