Broken wings

An acclaimed novel by the author of The Prophet, Broken Wings is a classic that marked Arabic literature with the deepest feelings of first love and its strong social criticism.

In *Broken Wings* , by Khalil Gibran—acclaimed author of *The Prophet* —young Khalil is introduced to Faris Karama, a wealthy and kind-hearted merchant from Beirut, and his daughter, Salma. Khalil and Salma are deeply attracted to each other and begin dating, with the blessing of her father. But the powerful priest Ghalib, in order to gain access to Karama's fortune, demands that his son marry Salma. Bound by ancient traditions, the young woman is forced to give up her happiness and marry another man.

The work, originally published in 1912, reveals, beyond the emotional aspects of first love, a strong social critique of the oppressive regime then in force in Lebanon. Selma, the protagonist, portrays the submissive conditions in which women lived in this society. The country's difficult socioeconomic situation is also evident throughout the narrative.

Khalil Gibran is known for his reverence for his homeland and also for the exquisite and melancholic style with which he explores both the lush natural scenery and the spiritual aspects of his characters, striking a chord with his readers.