tree of the seventh heaven, The

By Milton Hatoum

Book Description

In the heart of the Amazon, where jungle meets civilization, a Lebanese family's story unfolds across generations, revealing the profound ways faith, identity, and belonging shape our deepest relationships. When the family matriarch Emilie passes away, her death becomes a catalyst for long-buried truths to surface, as each family member steps forward to share their piece of a complex tapestry.

Through multiple voices and perspectives, this narrative explores the intricate dance between tradition and adaptation that defines the immigrant experience. The family's journey from Lebanon to the isolated Brazilian city of Manaus becomes a meditation on how we carry our spiritual and cultural heritage while forging new identities in foreign lands. As Christianity encounters Islam within one household, and Eastern traditions meet Western influences, the story illuminates the universal human struggle to honor our roots while embracing transformation.

The novel weaves together tales of mysterious deaths, forbidden relationships, and the persistent pull of homeland, all set against the lush backdrop of Amazonian Brazil. Each character's testimony adds another layer to understanding how families preserve their sacred traditions through food, language, and memory, even as they navigate the challenges of cultural collision.

This lyrical exploration of interfaith relations and cultural identity offers readers insight into the complex ways spirituality and heritage intersect in our modern, interconnected world.