I, The Divine: A Novel in First Chapters

Sarah Nour el-Din has a family. A rather large one. And a story of growing up in Beirut. She moved to the US for college and has only been back to visit but still her life is entwined with sisters and half sisters and ex-husbands and parents. Each chapter stands on its own and yet reveals some new part that makes the whole. I really loved the book, but it left me wanting more. That’s a good thing.One kindle issue: it went to the review page when there was one chapter left. A very important one. So don’t miss it,

Sarah Nour al Din attempts to write her memoir at various points in her life so far. If a writer learns that each chapter should contain a mini-plot but each not stronger than that in the first chapter, then, how would Sarah decide which mini-plot of her life bears the most significance? So, the reader is presented with a novel of first chapters, written in different voices, time periods and formats. It works! Rabih Alameddine writes with an accurate female voice and doesn't attempt to psycho-analyze his characters. Sometimes, no explanation is given at all, and I caught myself asking, "But what happened to that character?" Upon reflection, this is a story of first chapters for Sarah's memoir, not anyone else's. I enjoyed this book for its unique format, beautiful prose, and its story, which did gel into a full memoir. The characters are strong, especially the women. Well done!

After reading an Unnecessary Woman, I was so impressed by Rabih Alameddine, that I needed to read more of his works. This one did not disappoint. I loved it. The format was creative. The story was presented in first chapters. Which gave the narrator's point of view at varying times in her life. Two chapters were in French, but were very short and the info was presented in English anyway. I found the style very entertaining and a cohesive tale was told. I remain an ardent fan of M. Alameddine.

Unfortunately, I read "An Unnecessary Woman" first so my expectations were set VERY high (maybe too high!). Reading Chapter I of an autobiography over and over is an extremely interesting way to present a story line -- but I'm glad that I read some reviews first or else I would have been somewhat confused. What continues to fascinate me is that the author is male but is so capable of capturing some very fine female nuances and reactions. Reading accounts of the same story/event from different perspectives is such an amazing (and realistic) way to understand the past. I'm happy that I read it.'

this amazing author engrosses with countless beginnings, eventually, however, we feel the sadness of the countless losses embedded in the subject's narrative: husbands,son, homeland,mothers,father,identity... the many voices and perspectives of the narrative veil, but do not fail to reveal, this current through all. just one example: "you didn't come to my show. oh, I see. you suicided instead.oh."

This really is a novel in first chapters, as a young Lebanese woman tries to tell her story. She attempts it from different starting point and in different voices. The reality of why she is who she is is part ethnic origin and part violent experience. It's hard to read, but I found it worth the effort.

Beautiful read, with smooth transition between life stages! great insights into the psyche of women even though written by a man!

I had to get this book for a class, but I am so glad I did, it is an excellent story told in a very nontraditional manner. It took a few chapters to get the flow of the book, but it was more than worth the struggle in the beginning.

another brilliant book by Alameddine. Absolutely enjoyable.

I read whatever he writes. It’s just beautiful.

An unusual novel. Good to read if you like quirky beginnings and endings.

Read some of his other work before getting to this. I think "The Hakawati" gives an insight into this book, just about how ideas usually flow in his writings. I think the First Chapters concept is brilliant, leaves one hanging in each and every chapter, no conclusions.. just beginnings.