- “West Beirut” (1998): This film, directed by Ziad Doueiri, is set during the Lebanese Civil War and follows the story of a young boy who navigates the chaos of the war while exploring his city.
- “Caramel” (2007): Directed by Nadine Labaki, this heartwarming movie is set in a beauty salon in Beirut and focuses on the lives and relationships of a group of women. It offers a glimpse into the daily struggles and joys of Lebanese society.
- “Beirut” (2018): Starring Jon Hamm, this political thriller is set in the 1980s during the Lebanese Civil War. It follows a former U.S. diplomat who is called back to Beirut to negotiate the release of a kidnapped CIA agent.
- “Where Do We Go Now?” (2011): Directed by Nadine Labaki, this film tells the story of a group of women from different religious backgrounds in a remote Lebanese village. They come together to find creative ways to prevent sectarian violence between their husbands and strive for peace.
- “Capernaum” (2018): Another critically acclaimed film by Nadine Labaki, “Capernaum” depicts the harsh realities of life for a young boy named Zain in urban Beirut. The movie delves into themes of poverty, survival, and the resilience of the human spirit.
- “The Hakawati” by Rabih Alameddine: This novel weaves together multiple narratives, exploring family, love, and an oral tradition of storytelling set against the backdrop of both modern and ancient Lebanon.
- “An Unnecessary Woman” by Rabih Alameddine: This introspective novel follows an elderly Lebanese woman named Aaliyah, who lives alone in Beirut and spends her time translating literature into Arabic. The story delves into her thoughts, memories, and reflections on life.
- “The Parisian” by Isabella Hammad: While primarily set in Palestine, this epic historical novel also takes the reader to Beirut during World War I. It follows the journey of Midhat Kamal, a young man from Nablus, as he navigates love, politics, and identity.
- “Gate of the Sun” by Elias Khoury: This sprawling novel tells the story of Palestinian refugee Yunes, who lies in a hospital bed in Beirut with a bullet in his stomach. Through his recollections, the novel explores the Palestinian struggle and the lives of those affected by it.
- “De Niro’s Game” by Rawi Hage: Set during the Lebanese Civil War, this gripping novel follows the lives of two childhood friends, Bassam and George, as they navigate a city torn apart by violence, corruption, and survival.
WANDERLIST: Lebanon in books and on film
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