The Book Collectors of Daraya: A Band of Syrian Rebels, Their Underground Library, and the Stories that Carried Them Through a War

The Book Collectors of Daraya is a powerful testament to the political and therapeutic power of the written word, documenting the extraordinary project of forty young Syrian revolutionaries who rescued books from the bombed-out ruins of their home town and created a secret library, using them to learn, exchange ideas, and dream and hope.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 03 February 2022
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

The Book Collectors of Daraya is a captivating celebration of the profound political and therapeutic power of the written word, offering a defiant yet cautiously optimistic perspective. This remarkable chronicle delves into the heart of a tumultuous period, shedding light on the resilience and determination of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

In 2012, the rebel suburb of Daraya in Damascus faced a brutal siege by Syrian government forces, enduring four years of relentless suffering. Shelling, barrel bombs, and chemical gas attacks characterized this man-made hell, destroying homes, cutting off food supplies, and spreading disease. Despite the overwhelming circumstances, forty young Syrian revolutionaries embarked on an extraordinary project. They scoured the bombed-out ruins of their hometown, rescuing every book they could find. These books became the foundation of a secret library, hidden deep underground, serving as a sanctuary, a school, a university, and a source of hope.

Through extensive interviews conducted over Skype by the award-winning French journalist Delphine Minoui, The Book Collectors of Daraya emerges as a powerful testament to freedom, tolerance, and the transformative power of literature. The book offers a profound insight into the lives of these young men, their unwavering commitment to their cause, and their unwavering belief in the power of education to shape a better future.

Translated from the French by Lara Vergnaud, The Book Collectors of Daraya captivates readers with its poignant storytelling and profound messages. It serves as a reminder of the indomitable human spirit and the enduring power of literature to inspire, educate, and empower. This remarkable book encourages us to embrace the written word as a tool for change, a means to bridge divides, and a catalyst for positive transformation.

Weight: 166g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529012330