The Merchant of Syria: A History of Survival

by Diana Darke

Barely literate, and supporting his mother and sisters from the age of ten, Abu Chaker built up a business empire--despite twice losing everything he had. Diana Darke follows his tumultuous journey, from instability in Syria and civil war in Lebanon, to his arrival in England in the 1970s, where he rescued a failing Yorkshire textile mill, Hield Bros, and transformed it into a global brand.

The Merchant of Syria tells two parallel the life of a cloth merchant and his resilience, and the rich history of a nation built on trade. Over millennia Syria has seen great conflict and turmoil, but like the remarkable story of Abu Chaker, it continues to survive.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

Published May 1, 2018

Reviews

[Talal Chamsi-Pasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definite read for anyone trying to grasp the quagmire of Syria. It’s a story full of hope in a time lacking hope. Thoroughly enjoyed learning about the varying economic climates that Syria faced in the 30/40/50s. Great book.

[Bridget · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not nearly as riveting and well written as her book, My House in Damascus. The first half was pretty dry, even for someone who enjoys history and non-fiction. However, the second half read like a different book as it had some life to it. The later portions about the war in Syria and how it has affected day to day life and business were the best parts of the book. Information I haven't found elsewhere and worth the read in itself, even though I gave the overall book only 2 stars.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first taste of the story of Syria so it was interesting to me as it was all new. It made me think about the role of traders and merchants in a new way. The individual story Abu Chakar was fascinating in and of itself, putting it into the broader scope of Syrian history made it more relevant to the currant problems of the Middle East in general and Syria in particular.