We Walked On

by Thérèse Soukar Chehade

Set during the early years of Lebanon's fifteen-year civil war, We Walked On immerses readers in the landscape of war, weaving political unrest into everyday life. With Hisham, a thirty-year-old Arabic teacher, and Rita, his fourteen-year-old student, Chehade has created two richly drawn characters who counter violence with the redemptive power of books and human connection and find authentic hope in untenable circumstances. We Walked On is a timely novel that examines the power of war to pervert our moral sense and asks if peace is ever possible in an unjust world.

Genres: War

279 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2024

About the author

Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Thérèse Soukar Chehade made her way to Massachusetts in August of 1983, eight years after the start of the Lebanese civil war.

Writing had always been her dream. Fluent in Arabic and French, her English was serviceable, but it lacked the richness she sought. She dove into the literature of the English speaking world, finding inspiration in the works of Nabokov and Woolf.

Enrolling in the MFA program at UMass, Amherst, she began working on a novel. The war, the memories she thought she left behind, crept into her stories, and she let them stay.

Her first novel, Loom, set in rural Vermont, came out in 2010 from Syracuse University Press and won the Arab American Book Award for fiction the following year. Her latest work, We Walked On, published by Regal House Publishing in September 2024, is set against the backdrop of the Lebanese civil war. The novel was a 2022 Noemi Press Prose Award semifinalist and was longlisted for the 2022 Dzanc Prize for Fiction.

She still lives in Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book. I learned so much about Lebanon— very interesting. Plus,I realized how much I didn’t know about Lebanon. I’ve traveled through a lot of the Middle East, but I’ve never been to Lebanon and only remember headlines during the difficult times.

The author crafted the characters in such a way that they’re easy to relate to. This was especially true in times of difficulty and struggle. The scenes where the people were forced to hide because of gunfire, for example, personalized the story and sincerely made me have affection for all of the characters.

It was another fast read for me because I quite frankly could not put it down.

I recommend this book and cannot wait for the next one published by the author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[SmallPressPicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

WE WALKED ON deeply moved me--and kept me turning the pages--for so many reasons: its thoughtful exploration of what it means to come of age during the ravages of war; of whether (or how) it's possible to hold onto friendships and family ties amid divisive political/religious conflicts; and of how partisan violence has the potential to make us strangers to our former selves, willing to take sides against neighbors and others once close to us, often out of fear of being judged for not doing so. But, to me, the most moving--and inspiring--aspect of the novel is what the young protagonist, Rita, learns from an influential and perceptive teacher: that books, and self-expression through writing, have an unparalleled power to help us understand the darkest human drives, rise above them, and perhaps even find hope. WE WALKED ON left me both haunted and inspired, and it feels especially relevant in these violent, conflict-ridden times. I highly recommend it. (This review is in response to my receipt of an advanced reader copy of the book.)

[Geri · Rating 4 out of 5]

We Walked On is a powerful piece of fiction set in Lebanon during the long period of Civil War between 1975 and 1990. The impact of this violence, unrest and uncertainty is written about from the experiences of teenage Rita and her Arabic teacher Hisham. Through their actions, interactions and perspectives the reader learns a great deal about this period of history and the colonial roots of what is often referred to as a religious war. The diverse friends and families of the two main protagonists offer a range of perspectives on the events. I appreciated this book but have not given it 5 stars because the narrative was not always fluid, particularly when the content was Hisham's writing. I also felt the timeline was not always clear and that the final part of the book felt rushed. However I do believe this is an important and insightful book which is as relevant to current world affairs as to this particular period of recent history.

I received a complimentary ARC of this title and I am writing this review voluntarily.

[MOLLY WATKINS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this novel to be highly readable because of the short chapters, an alternating point of view that kept it moving, and its relevance in today's world. It's a story of war, but what pulled me in were the gorgeous descriptions of heartbreak and frustration that could happen to anyone, anywhere: a misread first kiss, pining all year for a beach rental that might not happen, searching for the perfect gift when you have very little money. Before and after rushing to the bomb shelters, life continues. It must.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this as a historical fiction novel, it had that feel that I wanted and enjoyed the use of the time-period. I was engaged with what was happening in the character and thought the fiction element worked overall. Thérèse Soukar Chehade has a strong writing style and hope to read more from them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Milly Virus · Rating 5 out of 5]

The start of the story is slow but I am so very glad I finished it! The writing is so heart felt and sad. Gives the reader a very clear picture of living life with a constant fear of war all around you! Will definitely recommend this book!~ I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kim Armstrong Silcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyrical, intimate remembrance of living through the civil war in Lebanon in the 1980s. told from the perspectives of a 14 year old girl and her teacher, the story brings to life the sectarian struggles between Christians and Muslims in Beirut.

[Joseph Nicholas · Rating 4 out of 5]

last chapter brought it all together as a beautiful and terrible meditation on the chronic emotional wounds of war, even for those who survive physically unscathed. amazing to read about her memories of beirut as a child in the 70s

[Joan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed thos war torn story. It was the conflict. I felt for the characters in this story.