WHERE WOLVES DREAM

The debut novel of Iraqi-American author and filmmaker Nassery tells the saga of the troubled past of a man and his country, encompassing half a century and, in the tradition of Homer, merging stories from different perspectives.

In poetic prose, the story begins with a Chicago-based American-Iraqi man in conflict. Following 9/11 and the continuous news reports on Iraq, Salam can no longer ignore the country from which he came. Uncomfortable with the fact he has turned his back on his homeland, he embarks on a journey to seek closure. He reminisces about being a child in Iraq and a mysterious gypsy woman who would tell tales of his local village to all of the children while she watched over them. This gypsy woman tells fascinating stories of what has happened in Salam’s hometown over a period of 50 years. These tales are the highlight of the novel and are an appealing mixture of myths, fictional accounts and true stories. As a child, Salam, his siblings and his friends form such a bond with this gypsy woman that she becomes something of a surrogate mother to them. In fact, the gypsy woman is still there when, years later, Salam returns to Iraq, because she is a mirage of this magical town filled with secrets—one that will always be there. Telling the tales of Salam’s friends, the wolves, as well as the secrets of Salam’s homeland, the gypsy woman plays an integral role in Salam’s coming to terms with the dichotomy of his homeland in Iraq and his new home in the United States, and his struggle with feeling a separation from both lands. The subject matter can be heavy and the journey a lengthy one, but Nassery weaves a rich tapestry that envelopes the reader in a fully realized world. Although partly mystical and fantasy, the novel contains many gripping real accounts that coincide with documented historical facts and current events. With Iraq and its war making world news for the past several years, this intricate, deftly constructed novel will leave readers reflecting on their preconceived notions of the Middle East while it also opens the door to a new perspective and understanding of the cultures and mindset of the Iraqi people.

A mesmerizing, epic novel.