This stark graphic novel tells the story of the residents of one building on a bombed out street in Beirut during the civil war in Lebanon. Two children are waiting at home for their parents to return from a visit to their grandmother’s house and when they don’t return, all of the residents of the building come down, one by one, to care for the children.  They tell stories, look at wedding photos, make dinner – distract the children as best they can until their parents come home or there is news.

The book is illustrated in black and white, with angular characters and occasional photos or maps in the background. The events take place in the course of one night, although the reader sees the course of many events of the war through the stories of the inhabitants. Inspired by the story of the author’s family, this novel is compelling; I read it through quickly the first time to learn the fate of the residents. Then I went back and reread it, examining the drawings for the incredible details. I think the form and style will attract readers, who might otherwise never learn much about life in war-torn Beirut.