1. In what way or ways do you "connect" with the book The Rock of Tanios by Amin Maalouf? In what way is it accessible or familiar to you?

Since I am Lebanese and most of the events of this book take place in Lebanon, I am able to connect to it in more ways than one. First and foremost, the Arabic words that occasionally appear in slang in some of the passages were quite familiar. Because I know what they mean, I have an advantage in the understanding the overall plot and characters. For example, words like bouna (father), hajje (wise woman), Khweja (sir), and Khouriyya (priestess) are terms used by the local people of the village as appellations in indication to those of a certain social rank. Another aspect quite obvious to me is that the religious views depicted are those of a Christian community. I was able to notice this from common Arabic Christian names that various characters have. Examples of these names are: Tanios, Elias, Roukoz, Gebrayel, Gerios ...etc. I found it a little shocking that Mr. Webster wasn't able to notice this important characteristic in the the community until later in the novel. Then I realized that as a member of the Lebanese culture, one would notice these slight indications, like names and specific religious practices. There are also the customs often performed in the village which are common. Playing the famous game, Tawle and preparing traditional dishes like Kishk or Ghamme which remain to this day. Last but not least, the foreign intervention comes as no surprise in the novel. Throughout the history of Lebanon the world's superpowers have always interfered in national matters. this is due to Lebanon's military and political weaknesses.People who are unaware of this issue might find unusual how the English, French, Egyptians, and Ottomans are involved in the events of the novel. These various aspects play an important role in enriching the novel with a cultural background and making the book more accessible and appealing to the Lebanese.