Set in two worlds apart, where one is torn by violence and the other celebrates freedom and industriousness, White Heart-inspired by true events-juxtaposes in allegorical and anecdotal expression human frailties with resilience in a fictional collection of short stories. The transcendence, metaphor and candour of the stories shape the author’s belief in the supremacy of human compassion, peace and courage over malevolence, depravity and violence.

Though the author’s experiences in Lebanon and United States define the scope and spectrum of the stories, the thematic depth of the stories is inspired by the character of the author’s uncle, who was called White Heart for his profound good heartedness, unwavering courage, readiness to help those in need, and staunch appreciation of life even in the face of adversity and tragedy. Though the pain and bereavement of losing his only son to indiscriminate state violence affected the very core of his being, the lustre of his indefatigable character never lost its radiance.