Last Days in Babylon

The Iraqi Wild Swans For fans of Linda Grant, Emma Williams, Janine di Giovanni and Ahdaf Soueif

Marina Benjamin grew up in London, feeling estranged from her family's Middle Eastern ways. But when Benjamin had her child she realized that she was losing her link to the past, inspiring a journey to Baghdad. This story reminds us that behind the headlines are real people whose lives are caught in the crossfire of prejudice and ambition.Marina Benjamin grew up in London, feeling estranged from her family's Middle Eastern ways, refusing to speak Arabic or eat their food. But when Benjamin had her own child a few years ago, she realized that she was losing her link to the past, inspiring a journey to Baghdad and into her family's history. Her discoveries will haunt anyone who seeks to understand a country whose ongoing struggles continue to command the world's attention. By turns moving and funny, "Last Days in Babylon" is an adventure story, a riveting history and a timely reminder that behind today's headlines are real people whose lives are caught in the crossfire of misunderstanding, prejudice and ambition.