45 pages • 1 hour read
Jennifer Zeynab JoukhadarThe Map of Salt and Stars
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Map of Salt and Stars by Jennifer Zeynab Joukhadar follows two interwoven narratives: Nour, a young Syrian girl fleeing the current war, and Rawiya, a medieval mapmaker’s apprentice. Nour, who relocates from Manhattan to Homs, escapes the bombing with her family, mirroring Rawiya's adventurous journey across the Middle East centuries earlier. The novel explores themes of self-discovery, subverted gender roles, and the quest for home. The book contains depictions of war, family loss, and attempted sexual violence.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Map of Salt and Stars by Jennifer Zeynab Joukhadar intertwines a modern Syrian refugee's journey with a medieval legend, earning praise for its lyrical prose and emotional depth. Critics commend its rich storytelling and cultural depiction, though some note a slower pacing in parts. Overall, the novel is lauded for its poignant narrative and vivid imagery.
Who Should Read The Map of Salt and Stars?
A reader who enjoys The Map of Salt and Stars by Jennifer Zeynab Joukhadar is likely captivated by rich, dual narratives blending historical fiction and contemporary refugee experiences. Fans of Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner or A Thousand Splendid Suns will appreciate its lyrical storytelling and deep emotional resonance.