Kamal Al-Solaylee: Intolerable (2013)
204 pages
English language
Published Nov. 14, 2013
A true story of life in the modern Middle-East spanning the nearly six decades from the nationalism of the 1960s to the Arab Spring of 2011, by a prominent Canadian journalist. In the '60s, Al-Solayee's father was one of the wealthiest property owners in Aden, south of Yemen, but when the country shrugged off its colonial roots, his properties were confiscated. As a gay man living in an intolerant country Al-Solayee fled to be able to enjoy his personal freedom.
This is a decent, but not awe-inspiring, contender for Canada Reads. It was readable and sufficiently interesting to keep my attention. I am sure that it will not win Canada Reads, but should make it past the first round.
