‘Goodbye Death River’… Psychological Approach of Lebanese Reality

Book Reviews

April 21st, 7:21am

Beirut - Asharq Al-Awsat

Death River novel

The Arab Scientific Publishers has finally released the ‘Goodbye Death River’ novel by Lebanese author Ghassan Chebaro. The 134-page novel presents a “psychological approach of the Lebanese reality in light of the ongoing environmental deterioration the country has suffered over the past 50 years. The book showcases a decisive turning point in Lebanon’s modern history, and presents itself as an ‘enlightening novel’ amidst the collapse and the domination the local political parties are practicing over people, who refused the ongoing crisis in a spontaneous, popular, peaceful, and civil movement that called for improving the living situation and the end to the ruling sectarian regime. The author starts by highlighting the current situation in the country, and then suggests alternative energy and consumption rationalism solutions to prevent pollution, using these suggestions as an indirect way to raise the readers’ awareness for the severity of the environmental crisis in their country. The novel expresses its main view using a cycle that links the novel’s characters in all their differences and accords, and gives every character the opportunity to express his concerns. Among the novel’s characters is Iman Abbas, a journalist specialized in environmental issues, and an example of the intellectual elite in Lebanon and the world. Abbas seeks to protect people’s health and right to live a life without pollution, supported by foreign experts and Lebanese activists. Gergi Boulos is another character that represents the greedy capitalist and corrupt official who exploits his position to build wealth and influence, supported by secondary characters- the beneficiaries of this corrupt reality. Between a corrupt class and a revolutionary elite, the novel sheds light on many victims and the miserable life they live after the Litani River, now known as the death river, alongside many other rivers have been devastated with pollution. The novel concludes that Lebanon’s biggest misery and irreversible loss is its messed nature, sabotaged heritage, and polluted environment. The novel’s introduction was written by novelist and poet Nizar Dandash, who heads an environment protection association. “Goodbye Death River in one of few Arab novels that explore an existing reality. It targets the young generation and respects their aspirations. Its straightforward, easy style promotes its credibility and closeness, and enhances the reader’s trust in its information. I advise everyone who love life to read it,” Dandash wrote.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/3603916/%E2%80%98goodbye-death-river%E2%80%99%E2%80%A6-psychological-approach-lebanese-reality